Abstract: An expandable sheath for use in an intravascular blood pump. The sheath has a sheath frame surrounded by one or more sleeves. The frame may have at least one of a braid, a wound wire, and a laser-cut material. The sheath frame may be a metal that is at least one of Nitinol and stainless steel. The sleeves may be made of one or more plastics. The expandable sheath is manufactured by surrounding the sheath frame with the sleeves and heating the sleeves and the frame around a mandrel. The frame and sleeves are heated in multiple steps, along multiple areas of the sheath, and to different temperatures and for different time periods. The temperatures at which the sheath is heated, and the time periods over which the sheath is heated, are selected such that after heating, the materials of the plastic sleeves penetrate the sheath frame to various depths.

Abstract: A system and method for percutaneous ventricular assist devices are provided, where the percutaneous ventricular assist devices include a pump assembly and a cannula assembly. The pump assembly includes one or more connectors at or near a distal end. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and an inflow cage, as well as a mating connector engageable with the connectors of the pump assembly such that the first cannula assembly is attachable to the pump assembly. In various embodiments, the cannula assembly may be fixedly attached or removably attached from the pump assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for packaging an optical sensor assembly. An optical sensor assembly for use in a blood pump assembly comprises a visor affixed to a pump housing of the blood pump assembly. A support jacket is in contact with an inner surface of the visor, and defines a cavity in which an optical sensor is disposed. Silicone gel is introduced into the cavity, where it cures. Silicone gel within the cavity protects the optical sensor, and the support jacket prevents the overflowing of the gel and contamination of the visor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling devices such as a ventricular assist device to vascular tissues, such as a heart. In one version, a method is provided for attaching a device to vascular tissue for fluid flow. The device includes a cannula coupled to a cuff, and the method includes coupling the cuff to the vascular tissue, penetrating the vascular tissue by inserting a penetration device through the cannula, and inserting a first end of the cannula through the cuff and into the vascular tissue.