Abstract: Electrode assembly patches configured for conductance and admittance measurements, and methods of manufacturing same. The present technology provides designs and manufacturing methods that may enable a conductance or admittance electrode assembly patches to be flexible, low-profile, and easily applied to an intravascular blood pump or other device, such that there may be little or no change to the device's overall diameter, profile, and functionality.

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: Various systems and devices, such as sheaths configured for antegrade and retrograde insertion into a patient's vasculature, are provided, to aid in preventing limb ischemia resulting from use of mechanical circulatory support. Such systems and devices may include various combinations of hubs, sheaths, and needle designs to allow, e.g., multiple medical devices to be inserted into a patient's vasculature, while minimizing blockage of the blood vessels.

Abstract: An expandable sheath body for a sheath assembly. The sheath body has a tubular frame having a lumen therein. The frame has interstices therein. The frame is expandable to a larger diameter and contractable to a smaller diameter, and also flexible. The sheath body has an inner liner formed over a surface of the lumen defined by the tubular frame and an outer liner formed over an exterior surface of the frame. The inner liner and an inner layer of a multilayer outer liner may be made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The expanded polytetrafluoroethylene may be infused with silicone oil for increased lubricity.

Abstract: A system for insertion into a vasculature of a patient is disclosed. The system utilizes a primary tubular sheath body coupled to a distal portion of an intermediate tubular sheath body, and a hub coupled to a proximal portion of the intermediate tubular sheath. The hub may be couplable to a dilator via an interaction between a dilator cap and the hub, and the hub may contain a hemostatic valve with a foam member having one or more visibly identifiably regions.

Abstract: Expandable introducer sheaths and associated laser cut frames for the insertion of a medical device into a blood vessel. In some examples, an expandable sheath may have a frame including a plurality of radial expansion bands and a plurality of connecting bridges for connecting adjacent radial expansion bands. The radial expansion bands are configured to accommodate radial expansion and the plurality of connecting bridges are configured to be longitudinally expandable and to impart column strength as a medical device (e.g., an intracardiac heart pump) is passed through the sheath, such as during insertion or removal of the medical device.

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: Electrode assembly patches configured for conductance and admittance measurements, and methods of manufacturing same. The present technology provides designs and manufacturing methods that may enable a conductance or admittance electrode assembly patches to be flexible, low-profile, and easily applied to an intravascular blood pump or other device, such that there may be little or no change to the device's overall diameter, profile, and functionality.