PERICARDIUM REINFORCING DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING THEM

摘要

This is a surgical device (122) and a method of using it. In particular, the device (122) is one for reinforcing the pericardial sac (102) surrounding the heart (199) to assist in the treatment of congestive heart failure. The device (122), generically, is an enclosure having an interior and an exterior. The interior surface (128) is made in such a way that it tends not to or does not form adhesions with or accept ingrowth with the myocardial tissue of the epicardium (104). The exterior surface (130) of the device (122), in contrast, is adapted to adhere to or to ingrow with or otherwise attach sufficiently to the pericardium (126) so that it reinforces that membrane or structure.