Abstract: The invention refers to a catheter pump to be positioned in the ascending aorta (11) near the aortic valve (10) of a human being, comprising an elongated sleeve 6 with a drive cable (5) extending through the sleeve and connectable at its proximal end to an external drive source and a drive rotor near the distal end of the drive cable (5) mounted on a drive shaft (4) being connected with the drive cable (5), wherein the drive rotor consist of a propeller (3) being enclosed in a cage (2) and wherein the propeller (3) and the cage (2) are foldable from an insertion position close to the drive shaft (4) to an expanded working position, characterized by means (7, 7a, 2a, 19) for anchoring the drive rotor (3) in the ascending aorta (11) near the aortic valve (10) after insertion. The invention also refers to a method to position the pumping means of a catheter pump in the ascending aorta (11) just above the aortic valve (10).

Abstract: A catheter pump intended to be inserted in the circulatory system, for example for assisting the heart, including a hollow catheter, a sheath, a drive cable, a drive shaft, a propeller, a proximal housing, a distal housing, and several filaments. Axial movement of the sheath in relation to the catheter brings the distal housing closer to the proximal housing so that said filaments are unfolded to form a cage. The propeller is pivotable between a first folded position, in which the propeller is parallel with the drive shaft and an unfolded position in which the propeller is perpendicular to the drive shaft. Axial movement of the sheath in a first movement unfolds the cage and in a second subsequent movement, actuation pins of the sleeve act upon a cam surface that unfolds the propeller.