Heart support to prevent ventricular remodeling

Abstract

This is a support device that prevents, reduces, and delays remodeling of diseased cardiac tissue, and also decreases the impact of such remodeling on collateral tissue is disclosed. The invention further reinforces abnormal tissue regions to prevent over-expansion of the tissue due to increased afterload and excessive wall tension. As a result, the support device prevents phenomenon such as systolic stretch from occurring and propagating. The support structure maintains and restores diastolic compliance, wall motion, and ejection fraction to preserve heart functionality. As such, the support device prevents and treats cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.

1 - 21 . (canceled)  
     
     
         22 . A method of transferring energy from viable heart tissue to less viable or non-viable heart tissue by utilizing a natural motion of a heart, comprising: 
 positioning a support structure over the viable and the less viable or non-viable heart tissue; and    attaching the support structure to the viable heart tissue and to the less viable or non-viable heart tissue such that the support structure exerts a force against the less viable or non-viable heart tissue in response to the motion of the heart.    
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the support structure comprises at least one peripheral link and at least one support link.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23  further comprising inducing a magnetic field such that the support structure contracts or expands.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising synchronizing the contraction or expansion with the natural motion of the heart.  
     
     
         26 - 31 . (canceled)  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 23  wherein the support structure is provided with a customized stiffness profile to maximize the restoration of systolic ejection and diastolic filling.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the customized stiffness profile includes predefining at least one of the width, wall thickness and length of the at least one support link.  
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 23  wherein the at least one peripheral link and the at least one support link define a geometry wherein expansion of a diameter of the support structure expands a length of the support structure.  
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the attaching the support structure is performed when the heart is at end-diastole.  
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the attaching the support structure is performed when the support structure is in an expanded configuration.  
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 22  further comprising delivering the support structure to a surface of the heart in a compressed configuration  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37  wherein the delivering the support structure to a surface of the heart comprises translating the support structure in the compressed configuration through a conduit.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37  wherein the compressed configuration comprises at least one of folding, stretching, bending and rolling the support structure.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the heart tissue to which the support structure is attached is the epicardium.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the heart tissue to which the support structure is attached is the endocardium.