The cardiac assist device includes a sealed tubular housing (14) for externally applying positive and negative relative pressure to a limb in counterpulsation with heart function. The applicator is assembled to provide customized fit. It includes a fabric or sponge-like inner layer (10) cut to size and situated around the limb. Initially deformable material is sized, sealed around the inner layer (10) and then secured by straps (28) to form a relatively rigid, non-expandable tubular shell (14). The shell (14) may include an interior wall (16) composed of a sheet of hard plastic or articulated sections of hard plastic or metal. The interior wall (16) has a plurality of opening (24) to the sealed shell interior. The exterior shell wall (18) is positioned around the interior wall (16). The shell walls (16, 18) are spaced apart by radially and/or longitudinally extending spacer elements (20) defining a multi-section air flow chamber (22) between the walls (16, 18). The interior shell wall (16) and spacer elements (20) may be integral. The spacer elements (20) include passages (26) such that air pumped into and out of the shell chamber (22) is uniformly distributed and moves freely to and from the shell interior. A heater (45) may be used to regulate the air temperature to promote vascular dilation.Ce dispositif dassistance cardiaque comprend un boîtier tubulaire étanche permettant dappliquer de lextérieur une pression positive et négative à un membre en contrepulsation avec la fonction cardiaque. Lapplicateur est assemblé sur site, de façon à obtenir une fixation individualisée. Il comprend une couche interne de toile ou de type éponge coupée à dimension et située autour du membre. On dimensionne dabord le matériau déformable, on le colle autour de la couche de toile interne et on lattache avec des brides ou des éléments similaires de façon à former une coque tubulaire non extensible et relativement rigide. Cette coque peut comprendre une paroi intérieure composée dune
