Abstract: An implantable heart assist system, includes a pumping chamber formed of a flexible material and being adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the aorta and a pump system comprising a first rigid member and a spaced apart second rigid member so that at least a portion of the pumping chamber may be positioned therebetween, a drive system comprising a motor. The motor is adapted to cause the second rigid member to move toward the first rigid member to compress the pumping chamber or away from the first rigid member to expand the pumping chamber. A controller is in operative connection with the drive system and controlling the motor.

Abstract: An implantable heart assist system, includes a pumping chamber formed of a flexible material and being adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the aorta and a pump system comprising a first rigid member, a second rigid member spaced from the first rigid member so that at least a portion of the pumping chamber may be positioned between the first rigid member and the second rigid member, a drive system comprising a motor, an extending member comprising a threaded section operatively connecting the first rigid member and the second rigid member and a nut in operative connection with the threaded section. The motor is adapted to rotate either the extending member or the nut relative to the other to convert rotary motion of the motor to linear motion to cause the second rigid member to move toward the first rigid member or away from the first rigid member. The heart assist system further includes a controller or a control system in operative connection with the drive system and controlling the motor.