Abstract: An apparatus for treating congestive heart disease and related cardiac complications such as valvular disorders that includes a support device placed on the heart. Support devices such as jackets of flexible material of knit construction defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end are included in the invention. Such support devices can be dimensioned and sized based in part on the desired function of the device. The support device includes at least one indicator marker along the longitudinal axis of the device for indicating and/or monitoring the level of tension of the device or for selecting a predetermined level of tension of the support device.

Abstract: A pattern for a three dimensional cardiac support device that includes a proximal edge having a concave shape; and a seam edge that includes: first and second sides, wherein said first and second sides are substantially symmetrical along a vertical axis, first and second upward inflection regions, first and second downward inflection regions; and an intersection point. A three dimensional cardiac support device that includes: a pattern, wherein said pattern is substantially symmetrical along a vertical axis, and wherein said pattern includes a proximal edge having a concave shape, and a seam edge that includes: first and second sides, first and second downward inflection regions, first and second downward inflection regions, and an intersection point; and a seam wherein the seam is formed by folding the pattern across the vertical axis and joining the seam edge to itself.