The 6th International Symposium on Artificial Heart and Assist Devices met in Tokyo in July 1996, bringing together researchers and specialists from around the world. The symposiums proceedings in this volume comprise papers from nine sessions, each opening with contributions by leading scientists: TAH, heart transplantation, biomaterials, VAS, clinical application, pathophysiology, engineering, new approaches, and special sessions. Of special note is the inclusion, for the first time, of pathophysiology related to clinical use of assist devices. The clinical application section includes a paper by Dr. Michael DeBakey on the progress made in recent years. With descriptions of the scientific exhibition, accompanied by photographs of all artificial