Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A method for applying a cardiac support device to a heart of a mammal includes surgically accessing a heart, providing a cardiac support device including a jacket, and positioning the jacket around at least a portion of the heart by applying a pulling force to the jacket. The step of positioning the jacket can include using a tool from a position superior to the heart to pull the jacket onto the heart. One device for placing a cardiac support jacket onto the heart includes first and second tubular walls. The second tubular wall is oriented within the first tubular wall and against an internal surface of the first tubular wall. The second tubular wall includes a plurality of grooves and has an open interior volume to hold the cardiac support jacket. Another device for placing a cardiac support jacket onto the heart includes a tubular wall having a plurality of lumens extending between opposite ends of the tubular wall.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint jacket is formed of flexible material defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end. The jacket is dimensioned for an apex of a patient's heart to be inserted into the volume through the open upper end and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket includes a receiving member along its upper end for engagement to a delivery apparatus, the apparatus used in positioning the jacket on the heart. The delivery apparatus includes a handle and a band. The band is generally hoop shaped having a first end and a second end attached to the handle, the first end fixedly attached to the handle and the second end releasably attached to the handle. Alternatively, the first end can be attached to a releasable end cap of the handle. In use, the second end of the band is released from the handle and inserted into the jacket receiving member. The jacket is threaded onto the band and the band end re-attached to the handle.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint jacket is formed of flexible material defining a volume between an open upper end and a lower end. The jacket is dimensioned for an apex of a patient's heart to be inserted into the volume through the open upper end and for the jacket to be slipped over the heart. The jacket includes a receiving member along its upper end for engagement to a delivery apparatus, the apparatus used in positioning the jacket on the heart. The delivery apparatus includes a handle and a band. The band is generally hoop shaped having a first end and a second end attached to the handle, the first end fixedly attached to the handle and the second end releasably attached to the handle. Alternatively, the first end can be attached to a releasable end cap of the handle. In use, the second end of the band is released from the handle and inserted into the jacket receiving member. The jacket is threaded onto the band and the band end re-attached to the handle.