Abstract: An apparatus is herein described for directly massaging a human heart which apparatus can be left in place at the end of an operation and be removed at a later date. The apparatus generally includes a cup-like inflatable bladder formed to surround the heart and to massage the heart in a predetermined manner in response to the creation of pressure pulses within the bladder. A basket-like support is provided for disposing the bladder in an operational posture around a heart during the heart massaging process. In one form, the support is inflatable into a rigid structure and deflatable to a generally pliable, non-rigid condition to permit its removal through a small opening or a tube. In addition to the bladder and basket-like support means, a suction tube communicates with the annular space defined between the heart and the bladder so as to insure a positive contact between the bladder and the heart.