Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for improving connections between a heart pump such a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and the heart and/or tubing such as a graft tube. An apical connector including a cylindrical housing and a ring support connected to the housing is described. The apical connector may include a sewing ring to be connected to the patient's heart and a spring positioned within the cylindrical housing to engage a portion of the pump and secure the apical connector to the pump. Alternatively, an apical connector may include an upper and lower housing with locks positioned in channels between the housings and may include a handle and a ring to cause the locks to engage a portion of the pump. A quick connect assembly is also described for efficiently connecting a graft tube to an outlet of a heart pump using a flange with through-holes and protrusions.

Abstract: A composite material includes a honeycomb layer with top and bottom sides. The honeycomb layer includes a plurality of walls defining a plurality of cells therein. A first adhesive layer is disposed adjacent to the top side of the honeycomb layer. A second adhesive layer is disposed adjacent to the bottom side of the honeycomb layer. A third adhesive layer is disposed adjacent to the first adhesive layer on the top side of the honeycomb layer. A first composite layer is disposed adjacent to the third adhesive layer on the top side of the honeycomb layer. A second composite layer is disposed adjacent to the second adhesive layer on the bottom side of the honey comb layer. At least the third adhesive layer comprises viscous properties that discourage the creation of channels within the first composite layer when co-cured.

Abstract: A composite material includes a honeycomb layer with top and bottom sides. The honeycomb layer includes a plurality of walls defining a plurality of cells therein. A first adhesive layer is disposed adjacent to the top side of the honeycomb layer. A second adhesive layer is disposed adjacent to the bottom side of the honeycomb layer. A third adhesive layer is disposed adjacent to the first adhesive layer on the top side of the honeycomb layer. A first composite layer is disposed adjacent to the third adhesive layer on the top side of the honeycomb layer. A second composite layer is disposed adjacent to the second adhesive layer on the bottom side of the honey comb layer. At least the third adhesive layer comprises viscous properties that discourage the creation of channels within the first composite layer when co-cured.