The invention relates to a method for producing a support device, wherein a whole heart comprising an extracellular matrix and cells attached thereto is provided, all cells are removed from the extracellular matrix so as to produce a decellularized extracellular matrix scaffold, and the extracellular matrix scaffold is processed so as to produce a sleeve-like support device which is designed to circumferentially encase a living heart. The invention further concerns a support device comprising a decellularized extracellular matrix scaffold of a heart, said extracellular matrix scaffold being designed like a sleeve to circumferentially encase a living heart.
