Patent ID: 6126590
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
A method for treating valvular a conditions of a patient's heart, said method comprising:(a) selecting a cardiac reinforcement device, said cardiac reinforcement device comprising:(i) a synthetic biomedical material which can be applied to an epicardial surface of the heart and having a maximum predetermined size, said predetermined size selected to constrain cardiac expansion beyond a predetermined limit;(ii) said synthetic biomedical material comprising a continuous mesh construction, said continuous mesh construction defining a plurality of open cells;(iii) said synthetic biomedical material formed into a jacket to surround said heart with said jacket having an internal volume to receive said heart;(b) applying said cardiac reinforcement device to said surface of said heart under a parietal layer of a pericardium of said heart; and(c) securing said cardiac reinforcement device to said surface of said heart with said jacket adjusted for said internal volume to assume said maximum predetermined size.