Patent ID: 6230714
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method for treating cardiac disease of a heart having a longitudinal axis from an apex to a base and having an upper portion and a lower portion divided by an A-V groove, the heart including a valvular annulus adjacent the A-V groove and ventricular lower extremities adjacent the apex, the method comprising:accessing the heart;restricting a blood supply to the heart to reduce a size of the heart;placing a constraining device on the heart and securing the constraining device to the heart with the constraining device having portions disposed on an exterior of the heart between the valvular annulus and the ventricular lower extremities to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart during diastole and permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole; andclosing access to the heart while leaving the constraining device in place on the heart.