Ventricular infarct assist device and methods for using it

Abstract

This relates to surgical devices and methods of using them. In particular, the devices are used to support and to reform myocardial tissue in the region of and across an infarct. The devices provide tension across the infarct in varying degrees by attachment of the device to the myocardium at sites adjacent the infarct. A support-providing component across the infarct, between the heart attachment sites, provides support to the myocardial wall and support across the infarct. Optionally, but preferably, the support-providing component includes a time-delay element that variously may allow the device to be introduced onto the myocardial surface and to change the support of the support element over time.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for supporting heart tissue in a beating heart, said device comprising: 
 a first anchor adapted to adhere to a first epicardial surface;    a second anchor adapted to adhere to a second epicardial surface; and    means for drawing the first anchor and second anchor together over time when the anchors are adhered to the epicardial surfaces.