Methods and devices for passively assisting the cardiac function of the
heart are disclosed. A method of increasing the cardiac output of a heart
includes providing a site of surgical access to the portion of the heart
to be restrained, reducing the cardiac expansion of the portion of the
heart to be restrained, and maintaining the reduction of cardiac
expansion of the portion of the heart to be restrained for a substantial
amount of time. Cardiac assist devices for increasing the cardiac output
of the heart are disclosed comprising a reinforcing portion configured to
contact a portion of the heart tissue wherein the reinforcing portion
restricts the expansion of the portion of the heart tissue. The
reinforcing portion can be a number of structures, including pads,
frames, straps, and other retaining means for limiting cardiac expansion
of the portion of the heart tissue to be restrained.