Early experiences of the first successful total artificial heart, the Jarvik-7, in the 1980s, stimulated research into the role that mechanical devices could play in treating heart failure. While some researchers chose to pursue the model of a heart-replacing artificial heart, many saw greater promise in the simplicity of assist devices. For the last 20 years, research into heart assist devices has grown considerably, and studies are routinely published assessing the medical community’s progress with them. Included here are links to abstracts and quotes from studies under the given topical areas.