The orthotopic heart transplantation is an accepted treatment for terminal cardiac disease. The technique of heart procurement and preservation is explained and the primary graft function in 108 subsequent heart transplantations is assessed. The mean ischemia time is 41 +/- 10 min in local, 98 +/- 19 min in distant (< 100 km) and 114 +/- 16 min in distant (> 100 km) organ procurement. Our method of preservation consists of cold cardioplegic arrest with potassium (30 mEq/L) cardioplegic solution. The incidence of the indication for high dose katecholamine-treatment after surgery and the maximal creatininekinase levels rose with ischemia time. All hearts recovered within a few days and the stay in the intensive care unit was not prolonged. We conclude that the heart preservation with cold cardioplegic arrest results in a good primary graft function. It is important to keep the ischemia time as short as possible.