Pre-Procedure

Your physician will ask you to participate in some screening tests and procedures to determine if you are eligible for the study. If you meet criteria based upon these evaluations, you may be eligible to participate in the study.

The next step is to sign a consent form and then you will begin your screening tests and procedures.

If after discussing the screening test procedures with your doctor, you agree to participate in the screening, your doctor will need to get information from you to determine if you have any medical conditions that could exclude you from the study, increase your risks of surgery or interfere with the therapy. Your physician will explain what is needed for the evaluation and explain what screening tests or procedures may be needed.

Procedure

If you meet all screening criteria for the study and after discussing the study with your doctor, you decide to participate in the study, you will be scheduled and prepared to undergo surgery.

The cardiac surgeon will make an incision in the chest and a cuff that has been correctly sized to your aorta will be wrapped around your aorta and activated to help assist the heart in pumping blood.

Post-Procedure

All patients in the study will receive the device and it will be turned ON for the duration of the study.

Following surgery, the expected stay in Intensive Care is 2-3 days to ensure the device is functioning in time with the heart and there are no heart rhythm disturbances and that the blood pressures are stable. The stay on the ward is 7-14 days and discharge from the hospital will be judged on your medical condition, your ability to walk without aid for short distances and you and your care-giver being able to handle the Driver and look after the exit site dressings.

Rehabilitation following surgery is important to ensure good recovery and this will also involve a program of physical and nutritional guidance.