The treatment of end-stage heart failure has evolved substantially with advances in medical
treatment, cardiac transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices such
as left ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts. However, current MCS devices are
inherently blood contacting and can lead to potential complications including pump
thrombosis, hemorrhage, stroke, and hemolysis. Attempts to address these issues and avoid
blood contact led to the concept of compressing the failing heart from the epicardial surface …