Cardiac transplantation at Harefield. A review from the anaesthetist's standpoint.

In the period January 1980 to February 1984, 91 heart transplant operations were performed at Harefield Hospital. The current statistics of the transplantation programme are presented. The survival rate since the introduction of the immunosuppressive agent Cyclosporin A is 78% at one year. This paper summarises the special care required for these patients with particular reference to the anaesthetic management.