Abstract: A method for use in reconstructing the left ventricle of the heart of a patient from a diseased state to an appropriate reconstructed state is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining the body surface area of the patient; determining a characteristic of the left ventricle which is the same in the diseased state as in the reconstructed state; determining an appropriate sizer based on the determined body surface area of the patient and the characteristic of the left ventricle which is the same in the diseased state as in the reconstructed state; identifying akinetic tissue within a heart chamber wall; making an incision through the akinetic tissue in the chamber wall; inserting said appropriate sizer into the chamber through the incision; removing the sizer; and, closing the incision.

Abstract: A web-based, interactive diagnosis, referral and reference system is used by physicians, patients, and others in the health care field to serve as a diagnostic, evaluation, and utilization tool/guide. The user may enter answer a series of guided questions to reach a diagnosis, obtain a physician referral and/or review literature and other reference materials on conditions. A method and device for left ventricular reconstruction is also disclosed. The device includes a curved needle or introducer which is inserted into one ventricle, through the septum and into the other ventricle. An anchor is then used to fold and hold the wall of the heart inward, thereby reducing the volume of the ventricle.

Abstract: A device for use in reconstructing the left ventricle of the heart from a diseased state to an appropriate reconstructed state is disclosed. The device includes a sizer which has a flat first surface and an apex. The apex is connected to a generally cylindrical central section, and said central section is connected to the first surface. The central section and the first surface of the sizer are configured so that when the first surface is located abutting the base of the left ventricle the central section is located at the location of the interior of the appropriate reconstructed left ventricle.

Abstract: A method for use in reconstructing the left ventricle of the heart of a patient from a diseased state to an appropriate reconstructed state is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining the body surface area of the patient; determining a characteristic of the left ventricle which is the same in the diseased state as in the reconstructed state; determining an appropriate sizer based on the determined body surface area of the patient and the characteristic of the left ventricle which is the same in the diseased state as in the reconstructed state; identifying akinetic tissue within a heart chamber wall; making an incision through the akinetic tissue in the chamber wall; inserting said appropriate sizer into the chamber through the incision; removing the sizer; and, closing the incision.