Objective To improve technique in making heart transplantation model in rats and decrease operative mortality.Method Modified surgical technique was used in donor heart collection, that is, right pulmonary artery instead of main pulmonary artery was anastomosed to inferior vena cava. Perioperative managements were also improved.Results 40 heterotopic heart transplantations were performed. 12 recipients died. Surgical technique, anesthetic accident, hypoxia, anastomotic bleeding may account for operative mortality.Conclusion Modified surgical technique and careful perioperative managements can contribute to success in heart transplantation in rats.