Patent ID: 6110100
Filing Date: 2000-08-29
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for relieving stress of heart muscle tissue in a wall of a heart having a chamber, the muscle tissue having an epicardium layer, an endocardium layer and a midwall portion between the epicardium and endocardium layers, the epicardium layer, the endocardium layer and the midwall portion extending generally longitudinally to form the wall of the heart, the apparatus comprising:a plurality of biocompatible and implantable elongate strips, elongate in a longitudinal direction, configured to be connected to the heart wall and disposed about the chamber such that the elongate strips are arranged in spaced relation to one another, the elongate strips being bendable and being sufficiently resistant to elongation that natural stretching of the heart wall does not cause elongation of the plurality of strips.