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The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) announces the release of the first international guidelines for heart failure patient management, particularly prior to heart transplantation, published in this month's edition of the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation (September 2006). For the first time, comprehensive international guidelines will help bridge the gap where current principles fall short and provide guidance to practicing physicians and cardiologists around the world. They are available at: http://www.ishlt.org/publications/guidelines.asp

The guidelines address optimal pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment, transplant listing criteria, and management of ventricular assist devices and arrhythmias.