Implantable heart assist devices and methods

A method of supporting a heart having left and right ventricles separated by an interventricular septum, the method comprising:

• placing an external support element around an external surface of the heart adjacent at least one of the left and right ventricles,
• placing an internal support element within the other of the left and right ventricles and against the interventricular septum,
• adjusting the force of the external support element against the external surface of the heart by way of an adjustable connector on at least one of the internal and external support elements, and
• retaining the internal and external support elements on the heart at the adjusted force.

A device for supporting a heart having left and right ventricles separated by an interventricular septum, the device comprising:

• a first external, flexible element configured to be placed around at least a portion of the heart of a patient,
• an internal support member configured to be received within one of the left and right ventricles and against the interventricular septum, said internal support member being coupled to said first external, flexible element,
• a second external, flexible element coupled to said first external, flexible element, wherein said first external, flexible element is configured to be placed around at least a portion of said left ventricle and said second external, flexible element is configured to be placed around at least a portion of said right ventricle, said first external, flexible element, second external, flexible element and said internal support member thereby giving independent support to said left and right ventricles, and
• at least one tensile member configured to extend through the left ventricle to provide additional support thereto.