Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in this  Registration  Statement
(Form S-8) pertaining to the CryoLife, Inc. Directors Options of our reports (a)
dated  February  7,  1997,  except  for Note 13 as to which the date is March 5,
1997, with respect to the consolidated  financial  statements of CryoLife,  Inc.
incorporated  by  reference  in its Annual  Report  (Form  10-K) and the related
financial  statement  schedule  included therein and (b) dated February 5, 1997,
with respect to the financial statements of Ideas for Medicine, Inc. included in
CryoLife,  Inc.'s Form 8-K/A  (Amendment No. 1) dated March 5, 1997 both for the
year ended December 31, 1996 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                   /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                   ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
August 14, 1997


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