Heart assist devices, systems and methods

摘要

An implantable device (10) for assisting the functioning of the heart of a patient. The device (10) includes compressing means (14) adapted to be positioned about the aorta (12) of a patient for externally engaging and compressing the aorta (12) and means (30) for releasing the compressing means (14) from about the aorta (12). The releasing means (30) being adapted for releasing in response to intracorporeal input during minimally invasive surgery or in response to intracorporeal input. The device (10) is connectable to motive means adapted to activate the compressing means (14). The compressing means (14) and the releasing means (30) are fully implantable within the thoracic cavity of the patient.