Circulatory assistance: basic classification of heart assistance methods and devices

This paper is focused on basic classification of mechanical circulatory assistance methods and devices regarding a way of their connection to the circulatory system (parallel, "in-series"), different manner of work (pulsatile, continuous-flow) or a goal of appliance (bridge to recovery, bridge to transplant, Total Artificial Heart). Also schematic layout of subjectively chosen assist devices are shown and discussed. The paper does not pretend to give an exhaustive description of mechanical circulatory assistance but rather evidence, after some brief historical remarks, the substance of the circulatory support itself.