Minimally invasive heart pump with modular adjustable construct insertion

A cardiac assist device, for applying controlled forces externally to a heart that improve both the systolic and diastolic functions of the heart, comprising:

• a plurality of flexible guides;
• an outer shell lined with inflatable membranes;
• conduits extending through said outer shell, wherein said plurality of flexible guides extend into said conduits and said outer shell is free to move along said plurality of flexible guides, and wherein said plurality of flexible guides prevent said outer shell from expanding beyond a maximum diameter and collapsing under a minimum diameter when said cardiac assist device acts upon the heart;
• wherein said outer shell, said inflatable membranes and said plurality of flexible guides act together to provide said controlled forces externally to the heart that improve both said systolic and diastolic functions of the heart;
• further including a base that attaches to said outer shell to form a cup structure, wherein said plurality of flexible guides pass through said base.