The 5th International Symposium on Artificial Heart and Assist Devices was held in Tokyo on January 26 - 27, 1995, bringing together leading researchers and specialists from all over the world. The proceedings of the symposium presents the newest ideas and approaches in the field, and will be of special interest and relevance to all who are concerned with artificial organs, cardiovascular surgery, organ transplantation, biomaterials, and related disciplines. Reflecting the content of the symposium, the major topics in this volume include biocompatible material development, clinical use of assist devices, completely implantable devices, and heart transplantation. These are presented in the two main divisions of the book: The first consists of eight lectures by leading researchers, world-renowned in the field of the artificial heart. The second comprises more than 50 papers on such subjects as biomaterials, research and development of ventricular assist systems and the total artificial heart, and their use as a bridge to heart transplantation. An additional, special feature of the book is the inclusion of descriptions of exhibitions at the symposium, with photographs of all artificial heart devices and systems displayed by major laboratories and companies from around the world.