Abstract: An optical sensor assembly for use in a blood pump assembly comprising 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. A silicone composition is introduced into the cavity, where it cures. The silicone composition within the cavity protects the optical sensor, and the support jacket prevents the overflowing of the silicone composition and contamination of the visor. The silicone composition comprises a silicone component and a plasticizer with a silicone to plasticizer ratio selected to provide one or more of the desired rigidity, tackiness, adhesion strength, viscosity, shelf life, pot life, and curing properties. The silicone composition may comprise more than one silicone component. A method of manufacturing the optical sensor assembly and the silicone composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a reinforced cannula for use in a blood pump assembly. The reinforced cannula comprises one or more thermoformed reinforced end portions. The thermoformed reinforced end portions may be stiffer than a medial portion of the cannula, allowing the medial portion of the cannula body to stretch and bend more readily than the cannula ends when the cannula is subject to an applied stress, reducing the stress and strain on the cannula ends.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a blood pump system having a variable stiffness distal extension are disclosed. A variable stiffness distal extension may have at least one section of continuously varying stiffness, resulting in a stiffness profile that decreases in a distal direction along a length of the distal extension. The varying stiffness may be accomplished by varying one or more radial dimensions of the extension. For example, in some implementations, an outer diameter of a distal extension may decrease along at least a portion of a distal extension. The distal extension may include a lumen configured to receive a longitudinally extending element.