Abstract: An improved system and method of determining a low water and/or water-out condition in a humidifier chamber of a respiratory or surgical humidifier system can use a specific frequency band to detect changes in a temperature of a heater plate. The temperature changes can correlate to the specific heat capacity value of the humidifier chamber. The low water and/or water-out detection process can be performed without having to determine the gases flow rate and/or can be run continuously. A heater plate assembly of the system can include a compliant insulation sheet to improve thermal coupling between the heating element and the top heating plate of the heater plate assembly, thereby improving the low water and/or water-out detection process.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a telescoping supraglottic airway device, such as a laryngeal mask airway. An example supraglottic airway device includes a cuff defining an orifice, a telescoping airway channel, extending in a proximal direction from the cuff, defined by first and second concentric cylinders; and a spring that biases the first and second cylinders apart to extend the telescoping airway channel.

Abstract: A tracheostomy guard (10, 30, 40, 50) for a patient interface is provided. The tracheostomy guard (10, 30, 40, 50) comprises a first portion (11) arranged to connect to a patient interface, in use, a second portion (12) attached to the first portion and configured to be in fluid communication with the patient interface and/or the first portion (11), in use. The second portion (12) comprising at least one first member (121) and/or second member (122) forming at least one aperture in fluid communication with the ambient environment, wherein the aperture (13) has a size that is variable in response to a force applied to at least part of the second portion, in use. An assembly (100) comprising the tracheostomy guard, a valve unit, a valve component, and a kit of parts, are also provided.

Abstract: A bite block provides a pair of bilateral jaw spacers positioned between the patient's posterior teeth to separate an interincisal distance between the jaw. A connecting bridge behind the patient's incisors joins the bilateral spacers at opposite sides of the jaw. The bilateral jaw spacers are positioned between the patient's upper and lower posterior teeth to transfer the forces against the bite block when the patient bites down to the stronger and wider posterior teeth that can withstand larger stresses. The posterior teeth have large, flat surfaces which can stably receive the bilateral jaw spacers without unwanted displacement.

Abstract: A retaining device for medical equipment includes a main body, a strap, and a retaining seat. The main body includes a solid portion, an open portion, and a coupling unit. The open portion corresponds in position to the mouth of a human body. The coupling unit is disposed on the solid portion. Two sides of the main body are defined as a first side and a second side relative to a longitudinal centerline, respectively. The strap is coupled to the main body. The retaining seat is detachably or rotatably coupled to the solid portion through the coupling unit. The retaining seat includes a first tube retaining portion. The first tube retaining portion corresponds in position to the open portion. A relative position between the first tube retaining portion and the open can be changed by detaching and reversing the retaining seat or rotating the retaining seat.

Abstract: A medical face mask is provided which includes a mask body having a mask interior and contoured to fit against the face of a patient. A permanently-open nasal aperture is provided in the mask body to facilitate insertion of an equipment, instrument or device into the mask interior and into the nose of the patient. A permanently-open oral aperture is provided in the mask body to facilitate insertion of an equipment, instrument or device into the mask interior and into the mouth of the patient. A one-way oxygen port is provided in the mask body to facilitate introduction of oxygen and/or medical gases into the mask interior of the mask body. A one-way valve port is provided in the mask body to facilitate discharge of carbon dioxide from the mask interior. A capnography or gas sampling port may be provided in the mask body to capture gases for analysis.

Abstract: A mask apparatus for a respiratory treatment can permit delivery of breathable gas to a user. In one example, the mask may employ a frame and cushion to form a seal for both mouth and nose. The frame may be adapted for coupling with a respiratory treatment apparatus so as to permit communication of a pressurized gas from the respiratory treatment apparatus. The cushion, which may be foam, may have a substantially under the nose configuration or over the nose configuration. The mask may have a common plenum chamber for both nose and mouth. The cushion may further define a centrally open lip superior region. The cushion may be adapted to couple with the frame directly or to the frame in conjunction with a cushion support clip. Various features of the cushion may further promote sealing and comfort for the under the nose design.

Abstract: A patient interface for sealed delivery of a flow of air at a continuously positive pressure with respect to ambient air pressure to an entrance to the patient's airways including at least entrance of a patient's nares to ameliorate sleep disordered breathing may include a seal-forming structure comprising a foam undercushion and a textile membrane for contact with the patient's face; a positioning and stabilising structure to maintain the seal-forming structure in sealing contact with an area surrounding an entrance to the patient's airways while maintaining a therapeutic pressure at the entrance to the patient's airways; and a plenum chamber pressurised at a pressure above ambient pressure in use.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurised air or breathable gas to an entrance of a patient's airways comprising: a cushion member that includes a retaining structure and a seal-forming structure permanently connected to the retaining structure; a frame member attachable to the retaining structure; and a positioning and stabilising structure attachable to the frame member.

Abstract: A headgear system and/or an interface assembly incorporating a headgear system that, in some configurations, is configured to transform from elasticated or “stretchy” behavior to “inelastic” behavior at least in response to normal or expected forces encountered during the intended therapy. In some configurations, upon fitment to the head of a user, the system automatically adjusts toward or to an appropriate size. A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core and a textile casing. The headgear, or part thereof, may also have integrally moulded labels, connectors, adjustment mechanisms and/or grips.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system includes a headgear that, in use, secures the respiratory mask system to a patient's head. The headgear includes a pair of forehead straps that are coupled together by a forehead coupler to form a closed loop. The forehead coupler is removably connected to a frame of the respiratory mask such that the forehead straps remain in a closed loop. The pair of forehead straps can also be coupled together by positioning a male strap portion within an aperture of a female strap portion. The male strap portion has a free end that is configured to be received into the aperture. The male strap portion includes a plurality of notches that engage the aperture of the female strap portion and provide incremental adjustment. The free ends of the male and female strap portions have fasteners configured to engage the surface of the other strap portion.

Abstract: A patient interface for supplying a flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient may comprise a heat and moisture exchanger (HME). The HME may be positioned in a flow path of the flow of breathable gas. The HME may absorb heat and moisture from gas exhaled by the patient and the incoming flow of breathable gas to be supplied to the patient's airways may be heated and moisturized by the heat and moisture held in the HME.

Abstract: A leakage gas valve 15 ventilation apparatus comprising a first valve body 16 having a main gas path chamber 17 for guiding an inhalation gas to a patient, comprising at least first, second and third chamber sections 18, 19, 20, an inlet duct 21 for supplying the ventilation gas to the first chamber section 18, an outlet duct 22 for releasing the ventilation gas from the third chamber section 20. The first chamber section 18 and third chamber section 20 comprise a first cross-section area (A1) and the second chamber section 19 comprises a second cross-section area (A2). The second cross-section area (A2) is smaller than the first cross-section area (A1), and the second chamber section 19 comprises a leakage channel 25 for allowing a leakage gas flow out of the gas valve 15 during exhalation. Additionally, circuits with a ventilation limb comprising a gas valve.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to the field of digital therapeutics to improve immune function. A primary mode of delivering the digital therapeutics is using sensory means comprising: sensory inhibition, sensory substitution, sensory integration, or a combination thereof. Various digital interventions, their related methods in digital therapeutics and systems are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure in an intestine of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising: a catheter for insertion into the intestine, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a distal portion; and a functional assembly positioned on the shaft distal portion and comprising at least one treatment element. The catheter is introduced into the patient, and target tissue is treated with the at least one treatment element. The target tissue comprises mucosal tissue of the small intestine, and the medical procedure can be configured to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Abstract: An intermittent urinary catheter product includes a generally rectangular package (100) having opposed front (104) and rear (106) panels sealed together to define an interior cavity (103). At least one of an inner surface (105) of the front panel (104) and an inner surface (107) of the rear panel (106) includes a reclosable member (116) associated therewith. The front and rear panels are tearable adjacent to the reclosable member and in a direction parallel to the reclosable member so that the tear forms an opening (120) in communication with the interior cavity. A hydrophilic urinary catheter (123) and hydration fluid (140) may be stored in the package. After a user uses the catheter, the user may replace the catheter in the cavity and close the reclosable member, resealing the package.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a catheter apparatus, including an elongated deflectable element including a distal end, a coupler connected to the distal end, a pusher including a distal portion, and configured to be advanced and retracted through the deflectable element, a nose connector connected to the distal portion, and including a distal receptacle having an inner surface and a distal facing opening, and an expandable assembly including flexible polymer circuit strips, each strip including electrodes disposed thereon, the strips being disposed circumferentially around the distal portion of the pusher, with first ends of the strips being connected to the coupler and second ends of the strips including respective hinges entering the distal facing opening and connected to the inner surface of the distal receptacle, the strips being configured to bow radially outward when the pusher is retracted expanding the expandable assembly from a collapsed form to an expanded form.

Abstract: Provided herein is a catheter system including a catheter having a catheter distal end and a catheter proximal end, with the catheter defining a catheter lumen. The catheter system also includes a catheter hub coupled to the catheter proximal end, with the catheter hub further including a hub body having a hub distal end and a hub proximal end, the hub body having a cavity formed therein extending between the hub distal end and the hub proximal end. The catheter hub also includes an end port positioned at the hub proximal end and that provides an opening into the cavity. A split-septum connector of the catheter system is positioned at least partially within the end port, with the split-septum connector configured to seal the cavity when in a closed configuration and provide a fluid path to the catheter lumen when in an open configuration.

Abstract: Endoluminal introducer sheaths and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The introducer sheath includes a first polymer layer, a second polymer layer, and at least two longitudinal support elements positioned between the first and second polymer layers. The longitudinal support elements are configured to provide columnar strength to facilitate advancement of the endoluminal introducer sheath into a vessel without substantial longitudinal compaction.

Abstract: A guidewire including: a core wire defining a longitudinal axis; and an elongated body extending along the longitudinal axis. The elongated body defines a plurality of openings between a distal end of the elongated body and a proximal end of the elongated body, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings defines an arc extending from a first end to a second end, wherein a center of the arc is longitudinally offset from the first and second ends. The plurality of openings includes: a first group of openings disposed around a perimeter of the elongated body; and a second group of openings disposed around the perimeter, wherein each opening of the second group of openings is longitudinally adjacent to and is a mirror image of a respective opening of the first group of openings relative to a plane normal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A medical device comprising: an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the elongated body comprises a plurality of interconnecting struts extending around an outer perimeter of the elongated body and defining a plurality of openings, wherein the plurality of interconnecting struts comprises: a plurality of helical struts extending along the elongated body and defining one or more coils extending around the outer perimeter of the elongated body, a plurality of first cross struts extending between longitudinally adjacent coils of the one or more coils, and a plurality of second cross struts extending between first cross struts and coils of the plurality of helical struts, wherein each opening is defined by two or more struts, and an outer coating disposed on the outer surface of the elongated body.

Abstract: A medical device may comprise: a handle including an actuator, an end container configured to be coupled to a distal end of another medical device, the end container including a cavity including a movable portion, at least one channel, and a distal opening; a control element coupling the actuator to the movable portion of the end container. A proximal movement of the actuator may move the movable portion of the end container proximally within the cavity of the end container. The cavity may be configured to hold a fluid, and the proximal movement of the movable portion is configured to apply a compressive force to the fluid so that the fluid is expelled distally through the distal opening.

Abstract: A catheter is responsive to external and internal magnetic field generators for generating signals representing position and pressure data, with a reduced number of sensing coil leads for minimizing lead breakage and failure. The catheter includes a flexible joint with pressure sensing and position coils, at least pair of a pressure sensing coil and a position coil are serially connected. Methods of calibrating a catheter for position and pressure sensing, and detecting magnetic field interference with one catheter by another catheter or other metal or ferrous object advantageously use signals between two sets of sensors as a “back up” or “error check”.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) injection site stabilization device that includes a securement device and an adhesive pad comprising a top layer and a bottom layer, where the securement device is attached to the top layer and wherein the bottom layer comprises a switchable adhesive, where the switchable adhesive is configured to adhere to a skin of a user, and where the switchable adhesive has an adhering state and a removal state, such that a first amount of force with which the switchable adhesive adheres to a surface in the adhering state is greater than a second amount of force with which the switchable adhesive adheres to a surface in the removal state.

Abstract: A protection device for a porta catheter device installed into patient's body. The protection device has a flat rim which would be secured to the patient's body around the porta catheter installation site using a medically appropriate adhesive. A dome-shaped protector rises up from the flat rim. The dome-shaped protector can secure any creams or lidocaine applied to the site of the porta catheter. The smooth round shape of the dome-shaped protector prevents it from catching or bumping on clothing or objects in the environment, preventing painful snags. There are no holes or gaps in the protector to prevent leaking of the creams or lidocaine. The flat rim can be affixed about the porta catheter using adhesive or a magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates a puncture needle includes: a sheath having a longitudinal axis; a needle tube that is arranged inside the sheath to be moved along the longitudinal axis and that has a needle tip; and a protective tube that is arranged inside the needle tube to be moved along the longitudinal axis and that has a lumen into which a guide wire is inserted. The needle tube has a step portion formed at a position midway along the needle tube. The protective tube has a protrusion, which protrudes radially outward, on an outer peripheral surface thereof at a position midway nearer a proximal end side of the protective tube than the step portion is. A distal end of the protective tube is positioned at a position to protrude from the distal end of the needle tube when the protrusion abuts the step portion.

Abstract: Introducer sheath systems including a pressure regulator operably coupled to a hemostatic valve, wherein the pressure regulator includes a chamber filled with a gas that is fluidly isolated from the hemostatic valve. The introducer sheath systems may include a tubular sheath, a hub assembly, and a dilator disposed therein connected to a proximal end of the sheath; the hub assembly including a housing and a hemostatic valve disposed therein; a pressure regulator connected to the hub and in fluid communication with the hemostatic valve; and a sealed chamber defined by the pressure regulator, the chamber having an interior, wherein the interior of the chamber is filled with a gas that is fluidly isolated from the hemostatic valve.

Abstract: An expandable delivery sheath includes an elastic outer tubular layer and an inner tubular layer. The inner tubular layer includes a thick wall portion integrally connected to a thin wall portion. The thin wall portion can include longitudinal reinforcing members/rods that facilitate unfolding during the passage of the implant, thus decreasing the push force and increasing the consistency of the push force. The inner tubular layer can have a non-expanded or folded condition wherein the thin wall portion folds onto an outer surface of the thick wall portion under urging of the elastic outer tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer stretches and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. Once the implant passes, the outer tubular layer again urges the inner tubular layer into the non-expanded condition with the sheath reassuming its smaller profile.

Abstract: A guidewire comprising: a core wire defining a longitudinal axis; and an elongated body extending along the longitudinal axis, the elongated body defining: an inner lumen configured to retain a distal portion of the core wire and a plurality of openings, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings defines an arc defining a radius of curvature and a concave portion facing a distal end of the elongated body or a proximal end of the elongated body, and wherein the radii of curvature of the plurality of openings varies along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a catheter unit with a catheter hub having a hub body and a catheter tube and an integrated needle unit having a needle hub with a body and having a needle with a needle lumen extending out a distal end of the needle hub. The needle hub has aa distal path having a distal path opening and having the needle attached to an end of the distal path, a proximal path having a proximal path opening and a rear-most opening, and a working surface on a working platform located between the distal path opening and the proximal path opening. A guidewire can optionally pass between the distal path and the proximal path and cause to dispenser when pressed against the working surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, assembly, and method for controlling release of a drug from a drug-eluting balloon during delivery of a drug-eluting balloon to a situs within a body. More particularly, the present invention relates to a diametrically expandable sleeve having a first non-diametrically unexpanded state in which drug retained on or in a drug-eluting balloon is protected from release by a sleeve and a second diametrically expanded state in which drug retained on or in the drug-eluting balloon is exposed for focal release in the body by diametric expansion of the sleeve, exposing openings in the sleeve during diametric expansion and closing the openings in the sleeve when the sleeve is in its diametrically unexpanded state.

Abstract: An intravascular blood pump (1) comprises a ring seal (10) that is configured to assume a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration and configured to contact and seal against an inner wall of the patient's blood vessel when inserted therein in the expanded configuration. A support member (12; 13) is disposed inside the ring seal (10) in order to support the ring seal (10) from the inside, wherein the support member (12; 13) is configured to collapse at least partially when a predetermined pressure difference between a proximal area and a distal area of the blood vessel acting on the ring seal (10) is exceeded.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inflators and methods of using the inflators for inflating inflatable devices, such as balloons, used in medical procedures. Such procedures include angioplasty and the transcatheter delivery of prosthetic heart valves and stents. The inflators overcome the resistances typically generated during such procedures and reduces the force required to fully inflate the balloon.

Abstract: To assess a risk of rupture of a hollow organ, at least one first image is obtained that maps a first expansion state of a balloon catheter disposed in the hollow organ. Based on the at least one first image, a balloon size and an internal balloon pressure of the balloon catheter in the first expansion state are determined. At least one second image is obtained that maps a second expansion state of the balloon catheter disposed in the hollow organ. Based on the at least one second image, the balloon size and the internal balloon pressure in the second expansion state are determined. Based on the internal balloon pressures in the first and second expansion states and the balloon sizes in the first and second expansion states, information is generated for assessing a risk of rupture of the hollow organ.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for facilitating delivery of microvesicles or stem cells across the blood brain barrier (BBB). A pressure device is used to target a region of a patient's brain. The pressure device delivers a shockwave to the targeted region, facilitating delivery of a microvesicle or stem cell at the targeted region. The shockwave does not damage brain tissue and does not disrupt or tear the BBB. A microvesicle or stem cell, or both, is administered to the patient and crosses the BBB at the targeted region, without damaging, tearing, or disrupting the BBB.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasound mediated delivery of therapeutic agents to the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, the invention provides a cluster composition and a pharmaceutical composition, for use in delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain and spinal cord for treatment. The invention further provides compositions and methods to increase permeability of the blood-brain barrier for passage of therapeutic agents to allow for medical treatment of diseases, disorders and injuries of the CNS.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and devices for providing injection ports to a vessel comprising a solution.

Abstract: A patient connector for dialysis is disclosed. In an example, a patient connector includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet and defining at least one aperture. The patient connector also includes a seal initially blocking the outlet and a hydrophobic filter covering the at least one aperture of the housing. The patient connector further includes a check valve positioned and arranged to prevent air from being vented from the housing via the at least one aperture and through the hydrophobic filter when the housing is under atmospheric pressure or negative pressure. The check valve is configured to allow air to be vented from the housing via the at least one aperture and through the hydrophobic filter when the housing is under positive pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a clamshell carhlock device and methods thereof. The cathlock includes a first portion hingedly coupled to a second portion and rotatable through a plane extending perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. A user can apply opposing, radially inward, “pinching” force to transition the cathlock to the closed position, mitigating applying any pressure directly to the patient. The cathlock further includes a compliant sleeve coupled to an inner surface thereof and configured to slidably engage the cathlock with the catheter in both the open and closed positions. The sleeve can engage the catheter in an interference fit to allow a user to position the cathlock along the catheter and for the cathlock to remain in place until repositioned.

Abstract: Fluid connector systems including first and second connector portions couplable together to form a fluid pathway therethrough and can resist separation or permit separation as desired. A connector portion can include a connector housing and a cover portion. The connector housing includes a connector body and an engagement portion. The connector body defines a tubing opening and a mating opening. The connector body defines a flow path between the tubing opening and the mating opening. The engagement portion at least partially surrounds the connector body. The engagement portion defines an engagement lip extending radially toward the connector body and is configured to releasably engage the connector housing. The flow path includes at least one portion that is normal to the engagement portion. Fluid flow through the flow path exerts a normal force on the connector housing and prevent release of the connector housing with the mating connector portion.

Abstract: Fluid connector systems including first and second connector portions couplable together to form a fluid pathway therethrough and can selectively resist or permit separation as desired. A connector portion can include a connector housing and a cover portion. The connector housing includes a connector body and an engagement portion. The connector body defines a housing volume, a luer opening and a mating opening. The housing volume is in fluid communication with the luer opening and the mating opening. The engagement portion may include an engagement lip extending radially toward the connector body. The engagement lip is configured to releasably engage the connector housing with a mating connector portion. The cover portion is configured to selectively surround the engagement portion of the connector housing. The cover portion is slidable to engage with the engagement portion of the connector housing and prevent release of the connector housing with the mating connector portion.

Abstract: An aseptic coupling arrangement can include a first coupling device and a second aseptic coupling device. In one embodiment, the first and second coupling devices are substantially similar, each having a main body defining a front face and a fluid passageway therethrough. A first connecting feature disposed on the main body of each coupling device may be provided for aligning and coupling the aseptic devices together. Each coupling device may also include a sealing member received in the main body and a membrane removably coupled to the main body front face to cover the sealing member. The first aseptic coupling device may also include a rotatable protective cover that is removably attached to the main body and connected to the membrane. In one embodiment, the removal of the protective covers away from two coupled main bodies, in a direction parallel to the front faces, causes removal of the membranes.

Abstract: A medical pin index valve includes a pair of pin holes, the positions of which are selected based on the particular gas to be used with the pin index valve. The pin index valve includes a residual pressure device therein. In one embodiment, the residual pressure device is designed so that it closes the valve when the pressure in the tank is between 0.5 bar to 5 bar.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, whereby the connector system includes a first coupler including a first coupler passageway disposed therein, and a first coupler elastically deformable valve operable to seal the first coupler passageway from the external environment. The connector system further includes a second coupler including a second coupler passageway disposed therein, and a second coupler elastically deformable valve operable to seal the second coupler passageway from the external environment. The first and second couplers can be substantially identical; thus, the couplers can be genderless, as opposed to a connector system comprising male and female couplers. The connector system can further include a first coupler valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through the first coupler passageway, and a second coupler valve operable to interrupt fluid flow through the second coupler passageway.

Abstract: A control device for a blood pump is provided. The blood pump control device includes an electronic control unit and an energy storage detachably connectable to the electronic control unit via a plug connection. The plug connection is configured to establish mechanical and electrical connections between the electronic control unit and the energy storage. The plug connection includes a frame of a housing and a frame insertion element. The frame insertion element is insertable into the frame in an insertion direction in at least two orientations that differ by a relative rotation between the frame and the frame insertion element about the insertion direction. The frame and the frame insertion element have one or more electrical coupling pairs to establish the electrical connection and are arranged to establish the electrical connection between the energy storage and the electronic control unit in the two or more orientations.

Abstract: An in-vivo micro blood pump is disclosed. The pump, comprising: a holder configured to be inserted into a blood vessel to be anchored to the blood vessel by one or more stents; and two or more micro-impellers located inside the holder while having the same rotation axis. Each micro-impeller may include a rotor and a cylindrical stator. The rotor may include a first hollow cylinder; two or more internal blades, extending inward from a wall of the first hollow cylinder, wherein the radial dimension of each blade is less than an internal radius of the first hollow cylinder; and one or more magnets. The cylindrical stator may include one or more electromagnets. A first micro impeller has a first blade pitch, and a second micro impeller has a second blade pitch, different from the first blade pitch.

Abstract: A blood circulation assist system includes a ventricular assist device (VAD) and a controller. The VAD is attachable to a heart of a patient to pump blood from a ventricle of the heart into a blood vessel of the patient. The VAD includes an impeller, a motor stator operable to rotate the impeller, and an accelerometer generating an accelerometer output indicative of accelerations of the VAD. The controller is configured to process the accelerometer output to generate patient monitoring data for the patient.

Abstract: An example cardiac pump system includes a catheter shaft having a proximal end region coupled to a handle and a distal end region coupled to a cardiac pump, wherein the cardiac pump includes an impeller housing, a cannula and an impeller, wherein the cannula includes a distal end region and a proximal end region, wherein the distal end region of the cannula is configured to be positioned in a left ventricle of a heart. Further, the cardiac pump system includes a first flow sensor coupled to the cannula or the catheter shaft, wherein the first flow sensor is configured to directly sense a first velocity of blood flowing adjacent to the first flow sensor.

Abstract: A catheter pump system is disclosed. The catheter pump system can include a shaft assembly and an impeller coupled with a distal portion of the shaft assembly. A motor assembly can impart rotation on the impeller through the shaft assembly, the motor assembly comprising a motor which rotates the shaft assembly. The catheter pump system can include a fluid pathway which conveys fluid proximally during operation of the catheter pump system. A seal can be disposed between the motor assembly and the impeller. The seal can be configured to impede or prevent the fluid from the fluid pathway from entering the motor assembly at least about an outer periphery of the shaft assembly. The seal can comprise an opening through which a portion of the shaft assembly extends.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a tube configured to traverse an aortic valve of a subject. A frame is disposed within at least a portion of the tube. An impeller rotates such as to pump blood from the subject's left ventricle to the subject's aorta. The impeller is disposed inside the tube such that, when the impeller and the tube are deployed inside the subject, and prior to rotation of the impeller, a radial gap between an outer edge of the impeller and an inner surface of the tube is less than 1 mm. The impeller is radially stabilized such that, during rotation of the impeller, a radial gap between the outer edge of the impeller and the inner surface of the tube is maintained. Other applications are also described.