Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improving cardiac output. The methods involve establishing a fluid communication pathway between the left ventricle and another natural or prosthetic structure. In one method, a conduit is implanted between the left ventricle and the descending aorta where ventricular blood flows from the left ventricle directly into the descending aorta and bypassing the aortic valve. The devices include such conduits and valves for forming the fluid communication pathways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioartificial primarily vascularized tissue matrix, a bioartificial primarily vascularized tissue, a method for the production thereof and the use of the same. Said tissue matrix and bioartificial primarily vascularized tissue are obtained by preparing the necessary natural tissue, conserving at least one vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel connector (10) for surgically connecting two vessels and/or prosthetics to each other, comprising a sleeve-shaped body (1), the walls of which are designed to be elastic, such that the force acting on the ligature or suture is limited to the extent that no pressure points or necroses occur in the vessel. It is made of two substantially rigid outer rings (2), delimiting the sleeve-shaped body, and webs (3) present between the rings, wherein at least regions of individual webs have a shape (4) deviating from a straight line over longer distances, and it has at least one ring-shaped region (5) of higher elasticity between the rigid rings. The connector provides a blood-tight connection of at least two natural or artificial vessels, including prosthetic connections, a prosthesis to a natural vessel, or two prostheses to each other.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improving cardiac output. The methods involve establishing a fluid communication pathway between the left ventricle and another natural or prosthetic structure. In one method, a conduit is implanted between the left ventricle and the descending aorta where ventricular blood flows from the left ventricle directly into the descending aorta and bypassing the aortic valve. The devices include such conduits and valves for forming the fluid communication pathways.