Heart wall tension reduction apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the wall tension therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tension member for drawing at least two walls of a heart chamber toward each other.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for the treatment of a failing heart, comprising: 
 means for reducing the cross sectional area of the heart in at least one plane.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means includes a tension member for drawing at least two walls of the heart chamber toward each other.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the means includes a compression member for urging at least two walls of the heart chamber toward each other.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the compression member includes a balloon.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the means further comprises a frame for supporting the compression member.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the means includes a clamp.  
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for reducing the tension in the wall of the heart chamber in at least one cross sectional plane, comprising: 
 a draw member having first and second ends; and    anchoring means disposed at each end of the draw member for engagement with the chamber wall.    
     
     
         8 . An apparatus in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the draw member includes a tension member.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the draw member includes a clamp.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 9 , wherein the anchor members are biased toward each other.  
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for reducing the tension in the wall of a heart chamber in at least one cross sectional plane, comprising: 
 a compression member having an atraumatic surface for placement against the exterior of the heart.    
     
     
         12 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 11 , wherein the compression member includes a balloon.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 11 , further comprising a frame for supporting the compression member.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the frame includes means for attachment of the frame to the heart.