A supplemental blood flow system for assisting with blood circulation in a patient. The system includes a supplemental blood flow device implantable in the patient and a controller for directing electrical power to the supplemental blood flow device and controlling the flow rate of blood through the device. The controller includes first and second power inlets and a power outlet. The power outlet is adapted to be coupled to an electrical line leading to the supplemental blood flow device. A portable programming module may be coupled to at least one of the first and second power inlets and operable to allow pump operating parameters stored in the controller to be changed according to the needs of the patient.
