Jatin Desai describes the intricate organisation and surgical skills that are required to complete a successful heart transplant operation

Transplantation of the heart has become an acceptable mode of treatment for end-stage cardiac failure. It involves a highly organised group of people which includes two surgical teams, transplant co-ordinators and laboratory (immunology and histopathology) services. Patients who are awaiting transplantation must be easily contactable so they can be admitted and prepared for surgery at short notice if a donor becomes available.