Abstract: An implantable blood pump includes an impeller rotatable about a rotational axis, having a body with a bottom surface at a downstream end and a central opening centered about the axis extending at least partially through the body from the bottom surface. A projecting element, e.g., a shaft, extends from below the bottom surface into or through the opening to support the impeller. The body can be configured to drive a primary downstream blood flow along an exterior of the body to beyond a peripheral edge of the bottom surface, and to provide a secondary downstream blood flow through the opening and along the bottom surface to beyond the peripheral edge, the secondary flow improving washing of a bearing surface.

Abstract: An implantable blood pump includes an impeller rotatable about a rotational axis, having a body with a bottom surface at a downstream end and a central opening centered about the axis extending at least partially through the body from the bottom surface. A projecting element, e.g., a shaft, extends from below the bottom surface into or through the opening to support the impeller. The body can be configured to drive a primary downstream blood flow along an exterior of the body to beyond a peripheral edge of the bottom surface, and to provide a secondary downstream blood flow through the opening and along the bottom surface to beyond the peripheral edge, the secondary flow improving washing of a bearing surface.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for establishing a blood flow conduit between a chamber in a heart of a patient and a remote location. A blood inflow cannula having an outer surface and proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion is configured for insertion into the chamber of the heart. First and second anchor elements have respective maximum width dimensions extending outwardly from the outer surface of the cannula. The first anchor element is positioned more distally than the second anchor element defining a tissue receiving space therebetween. The maximum width dimension of the first anchor element may be larger than the maximum width dimension of the second anchor element in use. The first anchor element is configured to be positioned inside the heart chamber and the second anchor element is configured to be positioned outside the heart chamber with heart tissue held in the tissue receiving space therebetween.

Abstract: A blood circulation assist system comprising an inflow cannula having a lumen and an insertion device configured to be received therein and to facilitate insertion of a portion of the inflow cannula into a heart chamber. The insertion device includes a shaft having distal and proximal end portions and a plurality of lumens. A first lumen is configured to receive a guidewire and a second lumen is configured to receive a pressurized fluid. A tip connected to the distal end portion of the shaft is configured for insertion into the heart chamber. The tip has a hollow interior communicating with the first shaft lumen. An inflatable member is coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft and includes a hollow interior in fluid communication with the second shaft lumen. The inflatable member is movable between deflated and inflated configurations for releasably securing the insertion device to the inflow cannula.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for establishing a blood flow conduit between a chamber in a heart of a patient and a remote location. A blood inflow cannula having an outer surface and proximal and distal end portions. The distal end portion is configured for insertion into the chamber of the heart. First and second anchor elements have respective maximum width dimensions extending outwardly from the outer surface of the cannula. The first anchor element is positioned more distally than the second anchor element defining a tissue receiving space therebetween. The maximum width dimension of the first anchor element may be larger than the maximum width dimension of the second anchor element in use. The first anchor element is configured to be positioned inside the heart chamber and the second anchor element is configured to be positioned outside the heart chamber with heart tissue held in the tissue receiving space therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood pump made of titanium with a measuring device for determining flow based on acoustic flow measurement methods, and a blood pump with a temperature sensor and/or a pressure sensor, and a system with a blood pump and an inlet cannula and/or an outlet connector and a method for producing a blood pump with a measuring device.

Abstract: A blood circulation assist system comprising an inflow cannula having a lumen and an insertion device configured to be received therein and to facilitate insertion of a portion of the inflow cannula into a heart chamber. The insertion device includes a shaft having distal and proximal end portions and a plurality of lumens. A first lumen is configured to receive a guidewire and a second lumen is configured to receive a pressurized fluid. A tip connected to the distal end portion of the shaft is configured for insertion into the heart chamber. The tip has a hollow interior communicating with the first shaft lumen. An inflatable member is coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft and includes a hollow interior in fluid communication with the second shaft lumen. The inflatable member is movable between deflated and inflated configurations for releasably securing the insertion device to the inflow cannula.

Abstract: An implantable blood pump includes an impeller rotatable about a rotational axis, having a body with a bottom surface at a downstream end and a central opening centered about the axis extending at least partially through the body from the bottom surface. A projecting element, e.g., a shaft, extends from below the bottom surface into or through the opening to support the impeller. The body can be configured to drive a primary downstream blood flow along an exterior of the body to beyond a peripheral edge of the bottom surface, and to provide a secondary downstream blood flow through the opening and along the bottom surface to beyond the peripheral edge, the secondary flow improving washing of a bearing surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood pump made of titanium with a measuring device for determining flow based on acoustic flow measurement methods and a blood pump with a temperature sensor and/or a pressure sensor, and a system with a blood pump and an inlet cannula and/or an outlet connector and a method for producing a blood pump with a measuring device.

Abstract: A cannula for insertion through a biologic tissue. The cannula includes a shaft having proximal and distal end portions with a lumen therebetween. The cannula further includes a tip having a proximal end portion, a distal tip end, and a lumen therebetween. The proximal end portion of the tip is secured to the distal end portion of the shaft so that the lumen of the tip is in fluid communication with the lumen of the shaft. The tip includes an opening that extends proximally relative to the distal tip end to permit the flow of fluid into the lumen of the tip even in the event that the distal tip end becomes obstructed.

Abstract: An implantable connector assembly (14) for communicating an element to an implantable device (12) within a patient (20) comprises a plug (16), a receptacle (18), and a pair of communication structures (72, 108). The plug (16) includes a plunger body (64). The receptacle (18) includes a sleeve (98) and a stopper (114). The sleeve (98) defines an opening (104), and the stopper (114) is resiliently mounted within the sleeve (98) to cover and fluidly seal the opening (104). The pair of communication structures (72, 108) is positioned respectively on the plunger body (64) and the sleeve (98). One of the communication structures (72, 108) connects to a source and the other communication structure (108, 72) connects to the implantable device (12). The plunger body (64) inserts into the sleeve (98) to displace the stopper (114) and couple the pair of communication structures (72, 108) for communication of the element therebetween.

Abstract: An implantable blood pump, a blood pump system, and a method for data transfer in a blood pump system. By integrating the electronic components into the blood pump, they are located in the direct vicinity of corresponding component parts. An accumulation of heat is prevented by arranging the electronics on blood-guiding components of the blood pump, in particular on the cannula. This results in efficient cooling of the electronic components.

Abstract: A system for pumping blood in a patient comprises multiple components including a rotational drive assembly; a fluid drive element; a housing, an inflow cannula assembly and an outflow graft assembly. The inflow cannula assembly comprises an inflow conduit and an inflow connector. The outlet graft assembly comprises an outflow conduit and an outflow connector. The housing surrounds the fluid drive element and comprises an inflow port and an outflow port. The inflow conduit comprises a first end operably attachable to the inflow port and a second end fluidly connectable to a source of oxygenated blood. The outflow conduit comprises a first end operably attachable to the outflow port and a second end fluidly connectable to a blood vessel. The inflow connector operably connects the inflow conduit to the inflow port. The outflow connector operably connects the outflow conduit to the outflow port.

Abstract: A cannula for insertion through a biologic tissue. The cannula includes a shaft having proximal and distal end portions with a lumen therebetween. The cannula further includes a tip having a proximal end portion, a distal tip end, and a lumen therebetween. The proximal end portion of the tip is secured to the distal end portion of the shaft so that the lumen of the tip is in fluid communication with the lumen of the shaft. The tip includes an opening that extends proximally relative to the distal tip end to permit the flow of fluid into the lumen of the tip even in the event that the distal tip end becomes obstructed.

Abstract: A cannula for insertion through a biologic tissue. The cannula includes a shaft having proximal and distal end portions with a lumen therebetween. The cannula further includes a tip having a proximal end portion, a distal tip end, and a lumen therebetween. The proximal end portion of the tip is secured to the distal end portion of the shaft so that the lumen of the tip is in fluid communication with the lumen of the shaft. The tip includes an opening that extends proximally relative to the distal tip end to permit the flow of fluid into the lumen of the tip even in the event that the distal tip end becomes obstructed.

Abstract: A fluid flow system for a patient is disclosed. A fluid drive module includes a fluid drive element, a housing, and a chamber located between the housing and the fluid drive element. A controller or control module modifies the speed of the fluid drive element during use, such as to prevent thrombus or otherwise improve flow conditions. Methods of alternating fluid flow are also provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a cannula through tissue generally comprises an inner shaft, a tip member coupled to a distal end portion of the inner shaft, a hollow outer shaft slidably received over the inner shaft, and a compressible member received over the inner shaft between the tip member and the outer shaft. The compressible member is configured to be received in a lumen of the cannula, and the inner shaft is movable relative to the outer shaft along an axial direction to compress the compressible member between the tip member and the outer shaft so that the compressible member expands in a generally radially outward direction. The radial expansion of the compressible member releasably secures the insertion device to the cannula.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.