Abstract: A percutaneous circulatory support device includes a housing comprising an inlet and an outlet, an impeller disposed within the housing and being rotatable relative to the housing to cause blood to flow into the inlet, through the housing, and out of the outlet, a cannula coupled to the housing, the cannula extending between a proximal section and a distal section opposite the proximal section, and an expandable element configured for inflation and deflation, the expandable element having a length that is approximately equal to a length of a body of the cannula. The expandable element is configured for providing an increased stiffness to the cannula.