An implantable heart assist system includes a compressible pumping chamber including an inlet conduit configured to be placed in fluid connection with the descending thoracic aorta and an outlet conduit configured to be placed in fluid connection with the thoracic aorta and a pump system comprising a first rigid member, a second rigid member spaced from the first rigid member so that at least a portion of the pumping chamber may be positioned between the first rigid member and the second rigid member, a drive system configured to cause the second rigid member to move toward the first rigid member or away from the first rigid member, and a controller in operative connection with the drive system and controlling the motor, wherein movement of the second rigid member toward the first rigid member results in compression of the pumping chamber and movement of the second rigid member away from the first rigid member causes expansion of the pumping chamber.
