In the last two decades, tremendous strides in the field of mechanical support have extended the lives of countless sufferers of congestive heart failure, who total close to 1% of the US population. This technology has saved the lives of patients with acute heart failure due to heart attacks, dilated cardiomyopathies and post-cardiotomy shock and sustained patients with end stage congestive heart failure until a precious donor organ has become available for transplantation. In an attempt to address the growing imbalance between demand and supply of donor hearts, and armed with great hope and excitement, investigators are now examining these devices as potential alternatives to cardiac transplantation. This book describes in detail the historical evolution, current knowledge, and future trends in the field of mechanical circulatory support. It will be of greatest interest to cardiologists, circulatory physiologists, cardiac anaesthesiologists, critical care physicians, cardiac surgeons, and other healthcare professionals who are challenged daily with the care of patients with acute and chronic heart failure.