A system and method for determining the proper dynamic strain profile of an elastomeric construct. The strain characteristics of a deficient heart are determined and compared to the normal strain characteristics of a healthy heart. A construct having elastomeric elements is provided that can expand along multiple axes. In an unloaded condition remote from the deficient heart, the elastomeric elements are pressurized to determine the pressure differential being experienced. Furthermore, optimal strain characteristics are calculated along a first axis and a second axis as a function of the pressure differential. The first optimal strain characteristic and the second optimal strain characteristic are used to estimate the dynamic strain characteristics that will be applied to the heart. The dynamic strain characteristics are compared to the optimal strain characteristics required by the heart to determine if the construct is proper using an automated drive.

A system and method of increasing the pumping efficiency of an individual's heart, wherein an actual pumping efficiency is compared to an optimal pumping efficiency to determine a force assist profile. A cardiac assist device is created that will apply the force assist profile to the heart. The cardiac assist device is surgically inserted in vivo to physically affect the heart. The cardiac assist device has an outer shell and at least one inflatable membrane that passes over the ventricles of the heart, wherein the inflatable membrane is inflated and deflated in accordance with a pressure profile provided by a pneumatic pump. The outer shell embodies outer shell strain characteristics. Each inflatable membrane embodies membrane strain characteristics. The force assist profile is a function of the outer shell strain characteristics, the membrane strain characteristics, and the pressure profile.

A system and method of increasing the pumping efficiency of an individual's heart, wherein an actual pumping efficiency is compared to an optimal pumping efficiency to determine a force assist profile. A cardiac assist device is created that will apply the force assist profile to the heart. The cardiac assist device is surgically inserted in vivo to physically affect the heart. The cardiac assist device has an outer shell and at least one inflatable membrane that passes over the ventricles of the heart, wherein the inflatable membrane is inflated and deflated in accordance with a pressure profile provided by a pneumatic pump. The outer shell embodies outer shell strain characteristics. Each inflatable membrane embodies membrane strain characteristics. The force assist profile is a function of the outer shell strain characteristics, the membrane strain characteristics, and the pressure profile.

Methods and devices that prevent stasis in the LAA by either increasing the flow through the LAA or by closing off or sealing the LAA. Increasing the flow is accomplished through shunts, flow diverters, agitators, or by increasing the size of the ostium. Closing off the LAA is accomplished using seals or by cinching the LAA.

Methods and devices that prevent stasis in the LAA by either increasing the flow through the LAA or by closing off or sealing the LAA. Increasing the flow is accomplished through shunts, flow diverters, agitators, or by increasing the size of the ostium. Closing off the LAA is accomplished using seals or by cinching the LAA.

A system and method for positioning a modular heart pump about the ventricles of the heart. The modular heart pump has at least one active panel and an apical base. Each active panel includes an inflatable membrane. The apical base helps retain the active panels on position about the heart. The components are assembled in vivo to create a pump assembly that encircles all or part of the heart. During installation, the active panels are advanced along the outside of the ventricles. Suction is provided on the leading edge of the active panels to remove any fluids and/or loose tissue that may prevent the active panel from advancing to an operable position.

Methods for synchronizing the actions of a pulsatile cardiac assist device with a dysfunctional heart using a cardiac pacemaker. Aspects include receiving a signal from the pacemaker and actuating the pulsatile cardiac assist device in response to the signal from the pacemaker to either help push blood out of the heart during systole or to help suck blood from the atria during diastole.

A cardiac assist device including a sleeve configured to externally wrap around a native, intact heart; a motor, and a drive shaft that connects the motor to the sleeve, wherein, actuation of the motor and the drive shaft provides a synchronized assisting force to a pumping force of the native, intact whole heart, thereby helping contraction and expansion of the heart located within an internal volume defined by the sleeve. Some embodiments relate to a system for synchronizing the cardiac assist device with a heart including the cardiac assist device; a power supply connected to the motor; and an electrical connector-relay configured to receive electrical signals from the pacemaker and to generate actuating signals that are relayed to the motor and the drive shaft, wherein, during operation of the system in a subject, the heart is assisted in contracting synchronously with the pacemaker signal rhythm.

Devices and methods for providing localized pressure to a region of a patient's heart to improve heart functioning, including: (a) a jacket made of a flexible biocompatible material, the jacket having an open top end that is received around the heart and a bottom portion that is received around the apex of the heart; and (b) at least one inflatable bladder disposed on an interior surface of the jacket, the inflatable bladder having an inelastic outer surface positioned adjacent to the jacket and an elastic inner surface such that inflation of the bladder causes the bladder to deform substantially inwardly to exert localized pressure against a region of the heart.

A mechanical circulatory support device. The mechanical circulatory support device includes an inner casing defining a fluid flow path, the fluid flow path defines a longitudinal axis. A rotor is mounted within the fluid flow path and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. A housing is included, the inner casing and the rotor being substantially disposed within the housing. The housing having a cross-sectional shape in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis which decreases in thickness extending from a medial position to opposite lateral positions.