Nondestructive fluid transfer device

A method of implanting a cardiovascular assist device, the method comprising:

• providing a fluid transfer device adapted for implantation within a patient, the fluid transfer device comprising:
• a housing having a cavity therein;
• an expandable lobed chamber provided in the cavity;
• a connector for fluidly connecting an interior of the expandable lobed chamber and a source of a fluid external to the housing, the connector being adapted to convey both an influx of the fluid from the source into the expandable lobed chamber and an outflow of the fluid from the expandable lobed chamber to the source;
• a pump provided in the cavity to establish a negative pressure sufficiently great to cause the expandable lobed chamber to expand into an expanded condition;
• the housing being configured to be fully implanted in a patient and sufficiently strong to withstand the negative pressure between an exterior of the lobed chamber and within the cavity sufficiently great to cause the lobed chamber to expand into the expanded condition and draw the fluid through the connector from external to the housing into the interior of the lobed chamber when the negative pressure is established in the cavity;
• and
• the lobed chamber being configured so that the lobed chamber is in a substantially empty unexpanded condition when the cavity and, hence, the lobed chamber is at atmospheric pressure;
• and
• providing instructions for implanting the fluid transfer device, including:
• coupling the connector to a heart of the patient;
• and
• actuating the pump.