Patent ID: 7494459

Claim:
A method of treating a patient requiring heart function assistance or therapy comprising: 1) connecting the patient to a cardiac assist device, said device comprising: a) a cup configured to encompass, and to seal and conform to said heart from atrio-ventricular groove to apex throughout systolic and diastolic actuation by imposing negative pressure between said cup and said heart, said cup having a compliant exterior wall attached to a compliant interior liner forming a continuous annular cavity between said wall and said liner, wherein the liner comprises a tapered unbonded transition section reducing in thickness to a thin section forming the liner adjacent a liner portion attached to the wall; b) a drive system in closed fluid communication with said cavity to effect displacement of said cavity; c) a sensor measuring at least one parameter; and d) a control system in communication with said drive system and with said sensor; 2) collecting data from said sensor and importing said data into said control system; 3) using an algorithm to formulate a command instruction from said control system in response to said data; and 4) exporting said command instruction from said controller to said drive system to effect displacement of said annular cavity and wherein said displacement actively supports systolic and diastolic actuation of the heart.