Abstract: A cannula assembly, further comprising a cannula body for directing blood from the heart of a patient, having distal and proximal ends and a lumen therebetween. A tip coupled to the distal end of the body, the tip having an opening. A pump for drawing blood into the cannula assembly and dispensing the blood from the cannula assembly and into the patient circulatory system. The lumen of the cannula body further comprises a first inner diameter at the proximal end and a second inner diameter at the distal end, the first inner diameter being larger than the second inner diameter. A tapered portion defined as a decrease in inner diameter from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter between the proximal and distal ends, the tapered portion configured to prevent cavitation of the blood within the cannula.

Abstract: A by-pass shunt for use with a bodily fluid pump. The by-pass shunt includes an inflow conduit, an outflow conduit, and an intermediate conduit fluidically coupling the inflow and outflow conduits. A flow restrictor is operably coupled to a portion of the intermediate conduit and is configured to reduce a fluid flow from the outflow conduit, through the intermediate conduit, and into the inflow conduit.