To provide a method and device for improving cardiac output.

A system for improving the cardiac output of a patient's heart 10 establishes a fluid communication path between the left ventricle 12 and another natural or prosthetic structure with conduits 24a, 24b including an upstream end 26 configured for implantation within a wall of the heart 10 and a downstream end 28 configured for attachment within a wall of a blood carrying conduit. The conduits 24a, 24b are implanted between the left ventricle 12 and the descending aorta 18 where ventricular blood flows from the left ventricle 12 directly into the descending aorta 18 and bypasses an aortic valve 16. The device 22 includes such conduits 24a, 24b and a valve 44.