You have posed an excellent question. With only a few words, a textbook is opened. Truthfully, this is a discussion that should be personal with not one but many professionals whose job is nothing but transplantation. For overview, societies such as the American Organ Transplant Association and American Society of Transplant Surgeons are good resources. For heart specifically, the American Heart Association is the best resource. For a more personalized and detailed history of heart transplantation from an individual, you may wish to contact Dr. O.H. Frazier at Texas Heart Institute.