Abstract: Catheter blood pumps that include a collapsible blood conduit, a collapsible scaffold portion, and a bend formed in the collapsible scaffold. The collapsible blood conduit defines a blood lumen. The collapsible scaffold is adapted to provide radial support to the blood conduit. The blood pump also includes one or more impellers.

Abstract: A tuber to be cut for reproduction purposes is supported on a carrier and moved toward a knife blade assembly that cuts the tuber. Throughout operation, the blade is maintained at a temperature sufficiently elevated to destroy pathogens. That temperature level is further elevated during cutting to an amount sufficient to cauterize the tuber surface, offset cooling of the blade by reasons of moisture in the tuber and to clear the blade of tissue residue from the tuber. Further included are means selectively operatable to elevate the temperature of the carrier to a level sufficient to sanitize the carrier.