Abstract: A catheter assembly for use in a percutaneous heart pump includes a cannula housing defining an interior space, an impeller disposed within the interior space defined by the cannula housing, and a flexible atraumatic tip positioned distal of the cannula housing. A guidewire is coupled to the flexible atraumatic tip and extends proximally from the flexible atraumatic tip. The guidewire extends at least partly along an exterior of the cannula housing or at least partly within the interior space defined by the cannula housing between the impeller and the cannula housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming coatings on stents. The apparatus includes a temperature adjusting element that can increase or decrease the temperature of the stent.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming coatings on stents. The method comprises applying a coating composition to the stent; followed by terminating the application of the coating composition; followed by inserting a temperature adjusting element within the longitudinal bore of the stent to change the temperature of the stent.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming coatings on stents. The apparatus includes a temperature adjusting element that can increase or decrease the temperature of the stent.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming coatings on stents. The method comprises applying a coating composition to the stent; followed by terminating the application of the coating composition; followed by inserting a temperature adjusting element within the longitudinal bore of the stent to change the temperature of the stent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming coatings on stents. The apparatus includes a temperature adjusting element that can increase or decrease the temperature of the stent. The apparatus can support a stent during the application of a coating composition to the stent. The apparatus can include a mandrel to support a stent and a temperature element integrated with the mandrel to adjust the temperature of the mandrel. The temperature element can include a heating coil or a heating pin, for example, disposed in the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of securely mounting a stent on a balloon of a catheter. The method generally includes crimping a stent on a balloon of a catheter at least one time, and positioning the balloon with the stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold, or within a sheath, in two stages as the stent is restrained from radially expanding. The method may include crimping the stent onto the balloon one or two times during processing. The method increases retention of the stent on the balloon catheter following sterilization.