Patent ID: 6682475
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A method for treating cardiac disease of a heart, said heart having a diastolic volume and a systolic volume, an epicardial surface and an upper and lower portion, the method comprising:surgically accessing said heart; placing a cardiac support device on said heart, said device comprising flexible material dimensioned to cover at least a portion of said heart, wherein said device defines a volume that is greater than said diastolic volume of said portion of said heart; positioning a tension indicator between said device and said epicardial surface of said heart; gathering said material following placement of said device over said heart to snugly conform said material to an external geometry of said heart, wherein said device applies a pressure to said epicardial surface; monitoring the pressure applied by said device on said epicardial surface; adjusting said device to snugly conform to an external geometry of said heart wherein said device applies a preselected pressure on said epicardial surface; removing said tension indicator; and surgically closing access to said heart while leaving said device in place on said heart.