Intermacs was formed as a coalition of multiple diverse partners. The word “Interagency” in the name specifically refers to the partnership of the three Federal Agencies: NHLBI, FDA and CMS. In addition to the Federal Partners, Intermacs has strongly partnered with industry, hospitals, clinicians, basic scientists, and the success of Intermacs is a direct function of the vibrant relationships among the diverse partners who may have differing agendas but are all striving to meet the key goal of Intermacs, namely, to advance the understanding and application of mechanical circulatory support in order to improve the duration and quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure.