C-Pulse IDE Feasibility Study- A Heart Assist System

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient has ACC/AHA Stage C heart failure and remains in NYHA Class III - ambulatory Class IV despite optimal medical therapy. * ACE inhibitor or ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blocks) at least 30 days preceding implant or nitrate/hydralazine at the investigators discretion * Beta-blocker for at least 90 days and stable for 30 days preceding implant * Patient has left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% * Patient has had Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) for at least 90 days prior to enrollment or is not indicated for a CRT device * Patient has had an implanted cardio-defibrillator (ICD) at least 30 days prior to enrollment or is not indicated for ICD implantation. * Patient is at least 18 years of age and not older than 75 years * Patient six minute hall walk assessment between 100-350 meters * Patient understands the nature of the procedure, is willing to comply with associated follow-up evaluations, and provide written informed consent prior to the procedure Exclusion Criteria: * Patient has any evidence of: * Ascending aortic calcification on posterior-anterior or lateral chest x-ray at initial screening OR * Atherosclerotic ascending aortic disease, specifically intimal thickening greater than 3mm or mobile atheroma (moderate) or mural calcification (severe) as detected by CT scan or echocardiography (Echo) * Patient has ascending aorto-coronary artery bypass grafts, history of aortic dissection, Marfans disease or other connective t…