Abstract: A ventricular assist device for a heart includes a compression band-stay-pad assembly for encircling substantially the heart perimeter and comprising an elongated band member or chain disposed in a sealed protective structure filled with a lubricating medium. The band member may be fixed at one end and wound upon, or unwound from, a rotatable spool by a drive motor through a speed reducer. Force-transmitting support or stay assemblies are disposed in the protective structure between the band member and a resilient pad assembly for encircling the heart and promoting heart tissue ingrowth therein. The force-transmitting stay assemblies are biased circumferentially, and thus radially outward, by compression return springs disposed therebetween.