this invention is directed to a partitioning device for separating a patient &# 39 ; s heart chamber into a productive portion and a non - productive portion . the device is particularly suitable for treating patients with congestive heart failure . the partitioning device has a reinforced , expandable membrane which separates the productive and non - productive portions of the heart chamber and a support or spacing member extending between the reinforced membrane and the wall of the patient &# 39 ; s heart chamber . the support or spacing member has a non - traumatic distal end to engage the ventricular wall .