Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, kits and devices that reduce dyskinesis and hypokinesis. For example, the direct compression cardiac device may be positioned about at least a portion of a heart, and includes a resilient inner panel in contact with at least a portion of the heart periphery, one or more resilient members positioned about the resilient inner panel and at least partially surrounded by an expandable outer panel. The resistance supplied by the inner panel to the heart may be modulated to control the end-diastolic heart volume and remodel the heart, the resistance supplied by the expandable outer panel to the heart may be modulated to control the end-systolic heart volume and remodel the heart or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and devices that reduce dyskinesis and hypokinesis. The contoured heart assist device of the present invention includes a selectively inflatable end-systolic heart shaped bladder with one or more contoured supports configured to surround at least a portion of the heart and provide curvatures similar to the proper shape of the heart when the device is pressurized and one or more fluid connections in communication with the selectively inflatable end-systolic heart shaped bladder for pressurization and depressurization.

Abstract: A direct cardiac assist device which may aid in ventricular recovery. The device proactively modulates cardiac strain pattern to produce a contraction strain pattern that induces beneficial growth and remodeling of the myocardium or prevents or reduces apoptosis of the myocytes. The device may include an outer shell. membrane, or mesh and an inner membrane. The space between the outer member and the membrane may be filled with fluid that is pressurized during contraction. The device prescribes a beneficial strain pattern during heart contraction. This strain pattern does not invert the curvatures or grossly alter the curvatures of the heart and may assist in myocyte regrowth and healing of the failing heart.