Abstract: A segmented skirted surgical mesh for use in reconstructing a soft tissue defect, the segmented skirted surgical mesh comprising: a base layer of surgical mesh, the base layer of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge; and a segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising an outer edge and an inner edge which defines a central opening, the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh being secured to the base layer of surgical mesh at the outer edge of the continuous skirt of surgical mesh, and the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh comprising a plurality of slits formed in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, wherein the plurality of slits extend outwardly from the inner edge of the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, whereby to form a plurality of flaps of surgical mesh in the segmented continuous skirt of surgical mesh, such that at least one of the flaps of surgical mesh can be lifted away from the base layer of surgical mesh and secured to soft tissue without causin

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a left-ventricular assist device that includes a tube configured to traverse a subject's aortic valve, with a distal portion of the tube disposed within the subject's left ventricle. A frame is disposed within the distal portion of the tube. A pump disposed within the frame pumps blood through the tube. A distal-tip element defines a straight proximal portion that defines a longitudinal axis, and a curved distal portion that is shaped such as to curve in a first direction with respect to the longitudinal axis before passing through an inflection point and curving in a second direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, such that the curved distal portion defines a bulge on one side of the longitudinal axis. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A control circuit includes a pump shutdown module responsive to one or more inputs indicating at least from the group consisting of an operational error at the implantable blood pump and an adverse physiological state of a user of the implantable blood pump. The pump shutdown module ceases operation of the implantable blood pump in response to the one or more inputs. A pump restart module configured to resume operation of the implantable blood pump in response to a first pump restart input and a second pump restart input is included. A pump restart lockout module configured to initiate a pump lockout mode in response to a lockout input is included. The pump lockout mode prevents resumption of operation of the implantable blood pump in response to the first pump restart input and allows resumption of operation of the implantable blood pump in response to the second pump restart input.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for supplying power to an implantable blood pump are provided. A system includes a base module and a plurality of energy storage devices. A first energy storage device is operatively coupled to the base module. A second energy storage device is operatively coupled to the first modular energy storage device. The energy storage devices are mechanically coupled in series, electrically coupled in parallel, and configured to provide redundant sources of power to drive an implantable blood pump.

Abstract: A medical devices and methods related thereto are disclosed. In an embodiment, the medical device including a pump configured to be inserted within an atrium of a heart, said pump comprising an inlet and an outlet. In addition, the pump includes a flexible outflow conduit coupled to the outlet and configured to carry blood. The outflow conduit includes a radially inner surface defining a throughbore, and a radially outer surface. Further, the pump comprises a driveline configured to conduct control and power signals between the pump and an external device. The driveline extends through the outflow conduit between the radially inner surface and the radially outer surface.

Abstract: A catheter pump assembly is provided that includes an elongate body, an elongate flexible shaft disposed in the elongate body, and an impeller coupled with the distal end of the elongate flexible shaft. The drive system includes a drive component, a motor and a tension member. The tension member is coupled with the motor and the drive component and to cause the drive component to rotate, and thereby to cause the impeller to rotate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intravascular blood pump comprising a housing region that may be expandable, wherein the housing region comprises a series of troughs extending along at least a portion of the length of the housing region, wherein the integrated lead trough(s) may be defined by or within the housing region and wherein each adjacent pair of troughs are separated by an insulated spacing gap and may be covered to form insulated conduits. The integrated lead trough(s) may be configured to receive one or more electrical leads therein.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for reducing pressure at an outflow of a duct such as the thoracic duct or the lymphatic duct. In one embodiment, an indwelling catheter can be configured to be at least partially implanted within a vein of a patient in the vicinity of an outflow port of a duct of the lymphatic system. The catheter can include first and second restrictors each configured to at least partially occlude the vein within which the catheter is implanted and thus to restrict fluid flow within the vein when the restrictors are activated. The restrictors can each be configured to move between an activated configuration, in which the restrictor occludes the vein, and a relaxed configuration, in which the restrictor does not occlude the vein. The catheter can include a pump, such as an axial motor pump, configured to pump fluid through the catheter.

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: The present invention provides an intravascular blood pump comprising a housing region that may be expandable, wherein the housing region comprises at least one trough extending along and/or around at least a portion of the length of the housing region, wherein the integrated lead trough(s) may be defined by or within the housing region. The integrated lead trough(s) may be configured to receive one or more electrical leads therein that may be in operative connection with a sensor and/or working element.

Abstract: In a sheath device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body, comprising a first sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when used as intended the distal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement in the patient's body and the proximal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement outside the patient's body, and wherein the first sheath comprises a tubular section and a sheath housing, which is disposed at the proximal end of the section and comprises a receiving channel for a catheter, according to the invention the tubular section is detachably held in a clamping element of the sheath housing in a non-positive manner so as to be able to easily shorten the tubular section.

Abstract: The invention provides an introducer assembly for delivering a blood pump into vasculature of a subject, as well as a method for utilizing the assembly.

Abstract: A method monitors cardiac arrest during physical exercise and consequently activates a rescue request. The method continuously measures a user's heart rate to determine a heart rate in a sequence of predetermined time intervals, by a heart rate measurement device worn by the user; then, generating a signal representative of the heart rate detected in each interval. A motion sensor detects a user's motion condition and generates a motion signal representative of the motion detected. A portable processor receives the heart rate signal and communicates with the heart rate measurement device and with the motion sensor; then processes the signal representative of heart rate, to recognize a possible cardiac arrest condition. The processor processes the motion signal to detect a possible stillness condition. The processor activates a rescue request if both a cardiac arrest condition and a stillness condition have been recognized. A system executes the method.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a motor at the proximal end of the catheter device and a drive shaft, extending from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device, for driving a rotating element located at the distal end of the catheter device. The catheter device also comprises a hose-like catheter body which encompasses the drive shaft and extends from the proximal end section to the distal end section. At the proximal end of the catheter device, the drive shaft is connected to a motor by a clutch. The clutch is a magnetic clutch with a proximal and a distal magnet unit. The proximal magnet unit is connected to the motor and the distal magnet unit to the drive shaft. The distal magnet unit is mounted fluid-tight in a clutch housing. The proximal end of the catheter body makes a fluid-tight connection with the clutch housing.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a motor at the proximal end of the catheter device and a drive shaft, extending from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device, for driving a rotating element located at the distal end of the catheter device. The catheter device also comprises a hose-like catheter body which encompasses the drive shaft and extends from the proximal end section to the distal end section. At the proximal end of the catheter device, the drive shaft is connected to a motor by a clutch. The clutch is a magnetic clutch with a proximal and a distal magnet unit. The proximal magnet unit is connected to the motor and the distal magnet unit to the drive shaft. The distal magnet unit is mounted fluid-tight in a clutch housing. The proximal end of the catheter body makes a fluid-tight connection with the clutch housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intravascular blood pump comprising an expandable and collapsible region distal to a pump assembly. In some embodiments, the expandable and collapsible region may comprise expandable and collapsible proximal and/or distal transition sections adjacent a central expandable and collapsible region. Support structure, e.g., an expandable and collapsible stent may comprise at least a part of the expandable and collapsible region. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the housing comprises the expandable and collapsible region, wherein an inversion of the distal housing results in a collapsed configuration and eversion of the distal housing results in an expanded configuration.

Abstract: An assistance system includes a schedule information acquisition unit that acquires disease information on the surgery and blood vessel information relating to a shape of a portion capable of applying a backup force to the catheter by coming into contact with the catheter in a blood vessel of the patient, a past information acquisition unit that acquires a shape of a catheter used for a past similar surgery having the disease information coinciding with that of the surgery and having the blood vessel information similar to that of the surgery, and a proposal unit that corrects the shape of the catheter used for the past similar surgery, based on a comparison result obtained by comparing the blood vessel information on the surgery with the blood vessel information on the past similar surgery, and that proposes a catheter having the corrected shape, as the catheter to be used for the surgery.

Abstract: A remote controller updating system for an implantable blood pump including an implantable blood pump, an implantable controller coupled to the implantable blood pump, and a pump driveline including a data network connection in communication with the implantable controller. The system may also include a pump connector coupled to the pump driveline, a remote controller couplable to the implantable blood pump, and a system update assembly including a system update connector couplable to the pump connector and a power source coupled to the system update connector.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining operational parameters of a blood pump comprising a rotor which transports the blood are provided. The change in the behaviour of at least one first and one second operational parameter, independently from each other, of the pump, is determined. A determination of the flow through the pump and/or the difference in pressure across the pump and/or the viscosity of the blood takes into account the determined change in behaviour of the at least two operational parameters. A modelling for a dynamic model of the known quantities may be carried out and an estimation method using a Kalman filter may be used.

Abstract: A system and method used to deliver a percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) or other cardiac therapeutic device to a site within the heart, such as a site at the aortic valve. A flexible device is percutaneously introduced into a vasculature of a patient and positioned to run from a femoral vein, through the heart via a transseptal puncture, and to a femoral artery. The venous-side end of the flexible device is withdrawn out the venous vasculature superior to the heart, and a pVAD is secured to the flexible device. The pVAD is pushed in a distal direction while the arterial-side end of the flexible device is pulled in the proximal direction to advance the pVAD to the target site. A left ventricle redirector aids in orienting the pVAD and preventing migration of the flexible member towards delicate structures of the heart during advancement of the pVAD.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for transfemoral retrieval and/or repositioning of a prosthetic valve (400) implanted within a heart includes inserting a retrieval assembly through a femoral vein and into a heart until a distal end portion of the retrieval assembly is disposed in an atrium of the heart. The prosthetic valve is formed with a shape-memory material. The retrieval assembly (402) includes an outer catheter (403), a middle catheter (404), a snare catheter (406), and a snare member (415). The snare member is moved distally out of a lumen of the snare catheter and into engagement with an inner frame (440) of the prosthetic valve. The retrieval assembly can invert an outer frame (410) of the prosthetic valve to collapse and retract the valve into a lumen of the retrieval assembly. In some embodiments, a positioning catheter (419) can be inserted through the apex of the heart to assist in positioning and inverting the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A method for executing commands includes a wearable device with an inflatable bladder and a sensor integrated with the inflatable bladder. The method includes transitioning the inflatable bladder from an unpressurized state to a pressurized state. The inflatable bladder is associated with an executable command when in the pressurized state. The method further includes detecting, by the sensor, the magnitude of depression of the inflatable bladder and determining whether the magnitude of depression satisfies a predetermined threshold. When the magnitude of depression satisfies the predetermined threshold, the method executes the executable command.

Abstract: A blood pump including a housing having an inflow tube defining a major axis spanning through the inflow tube and a flow path spanning along the major axis, a rotor disposed within the inflow tube, the rotor and the inflow tube defining a gap therebetween, a stator surrounding the inflow tube and the rotor, and the housing defining an access conduit spanning through the inflow tube and the stator transverse to the major axis, the access conduit being in communication with the gap.

Abstract: A catheter pump is provided that includes a rotatable impeller and an elongate cannula. The elongate cannula has a mesh that has a plurality of circumferential members disposed about the impeller. The elongate cannula has a plurality of axial connector extending between a proximal side of a distal circumferential member and a distal side of a proximal circumferential member. The circumferential members are radially self-expandable. The cannula is configured to minimize fracture within at least in the distal zone of the mesh as the elongated cannula moves into a sheathing device.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems, and methods related thereto having hierarchical restrictive access schemes are provided. Such medical devices, systems, and methods may include an in vitro analyte monitoring device, an in vivo analyte monitoring device, and/or a drug infusion device having, among other features, hierarchical permission schemes allowing individual access levels thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a blood pump (24) configured to be placed inside a blood vessel of a in subject, the blood pump including an impeller (28) configured to pump blood by rotating. A support cage (254) is shaped to define a narrow portion (256) that is configured to be disposed around the impeller, and to maintain a separation between a wall of the blood vessel and the impeller, and a radial extension (258) from the narrow portion of the support cage that extends radially outward with respect to the narrow portion of the support cage, the radial extension being configured to substantially maintain a longitudinal axis of the impeller in alignment with a local longitudinal axis of the blood vessel by contacting the wall of the blood vessel. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An implantable blood pump system is disclosed herein. The implantable blood pump system includes an implantable blood pump, a controller coupled to the blood pump, a connector receptacle, and a connector insert. The connector receptacle can include a plurality of contacts, and a following surface. The connector insert can be received within the connector receptacle to couple a plurality of insert contacts with the plurality of contacts of the connector receptacle. The connector insert can include walls defining a follower receptacle that can receive a portion of the following surface when the connector insert is in a desired alignment with respect to the connector receptacle, and a cam surface that can engage with the following surface to bias the connector insert to the desired alignment with respect to the connector receptacle when the connector insert is inserted into the connector receptacle.

Abstract: A medical device may include a shaft, and a first tool extending from a distal end of the shaft. The medical device also may include a control assembly coupled to the shaft. The control assembly may include a console, a first grip extending proximally from the console, and a second grip extending proximally from the console. The control assembly also may include a first deflection actuator configured to deflect the first tool about a longitudinal axis of the first tool, a first rotation actuator configured to rotate the first tool about the longitudinal axis of the first tool, and a first longitudinal actuator configured to move the first tool along the longitudinal axis of the first tool.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a motor at the proximal end of the catheter device and a drive shaft, extending from the proximal end section to the distal end section of the catheter device, for driving a rotating element located at the distal end of the catheter device. The catheter device also comprises a hose-like catheter body which encompasses the drive shaft and extends from the proximal end section to the distal end section. At the proximal end of the catheter device, the drive shaft is connected to a motor by a clutch. The clutch is a magnetic clutch with a proximal and a distal magnet unit. The proximal magnet unit is connected to the motor and the distal magnet unit to the drive shaft. The distal magnet unit is mounted fluid-tight in a clutch housing. The proximal end of the catheter body makes a fluid-tight connection with the clutch housing.

Abstract: A personal entertainment respiratory apparatus provides air to a user to provide a fully immersive entertainment experience. The personal entertainment system may comprise a flow generator for providing the flow of air. A personal spatial respiratory interface may be coupled to the flow generator. The personal spatial respiratory interface may comprise an outlet for the flow generator. The personal spatial respiratory interface may further be configured to direct the flow of air within an ambient breathing proximity of a user. The personal entertainment respiratory apparatus may further comprise a controller and a sensory particle dispenser. The controller and sensory particle dispenser may be configured to selectively activate release of a sensory particle from the dispenser into the directed flow of air in response to an entertainment triggering signal.

Abstract: A heart pump includes a rotative impeller partly inserted into the systemic ventricle, this rotative impeller being equipped with a membrane sutured to the outer wall of the heart in such a way as to secure the rotative impeller to the wall of the heart, a housing arranged inside the systemic ventricle in such a way as to draw up then discharge blood, a motor connected to the housing and arranged partly outside the systemic ventricle in such a way as to facilitate maintenance; an integrated management unit in the epigastric region including a power supply and a rotative impeller control unit; and a wired link between the management unit and the rotative impeller.

Abstract: A method for applying focused pressure to a target vessel to dilate the target vessel for hemodialysis. The target vessel is treated with pressure multiple times a day prior to a fistula surgical procedure to increase the vein size. The target vessel is also treated with pressure multiple times a day after the fistula surgical procedure to increase or maintain the vein size.

Abstract: Systems and method for powering an implanted blood pump are disclosed herein. The system can be a mechanical circulatory support system. The mechanical circulatory support system can include an implantable blood pump. The implantable blood pump includes a DC powered pump control unit that can control the blood pump according to one or several stored instructions. The implantable blood pump includes a rectifier electrically connected to the pump control unit. The implantable rectifier can convert the AC to DC for powering the pump control unit. The system can include an external controller electrically connected to the rectifier. The external controller can provide AC electrical power to the implantable blood pump.

Abstract: An implantable pump system is provided, including an implantable blood pump suitable for use as a partial support assist device, the system further including an extracorporeal battery and a controller coupled to the implantable pump, and a programmer selectively periodically coupled to the controller to configure and adjust operating parameters of the implantable pump. The implantable pump includes a flexible membrane coupled to an electromagnetic actuator including a magnetic assembly and electromagnetic assembly, so that when the electromagnetic assembly is energized, the electromagnetic assembly causes wavelike undulations to propagate along the flexible membrane to propel blood through the implantable pump. The controller may be programmed by a programmer to operate at frequencies and duty cycles that mimic physiologic flow rates and pulsatility while operating in an efficient manner that avoids thrombus formation, hemolysis and/or platelet activation.

Abstract: A method for improving leaflet prolapse and/or valve regurgitation associated with a heart valve involves delivering a spacer device into a ventricle of a heart using a delivery system comprising a catheter, fixing the spacer device to a wall of the ventricle, expanding the spacer device to reposition a papillary muscle disposed in the ventricle away from the wall, the papillary muscle being connected to a leaflet of an atrioventricular heart valve via chordae tendineae, and releasing the spacer device from the catheter.

Abstract: A peristaltic dosing device for providing dosages of a fluid at a volume of less than one milliliter comprises: a flexible tube, a counter pressure element, a plurality of actors and a drive. The flexible tube is essentially straightly arranged along the counter pressure element thereby forming a longitudinal axis. The actors arranged parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis. They are moveable by the drive in relation to the flexible tube. The flexible tube is compressible between the actors and the counter pressure element by moving the actors. Each of the actors is independently and linearly moveable by the drive along an actuation axis essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube from a home position in which the flexible tube is least compressed to an end position in which the flexible tube is compressed and sealed between the respective actor and the counter pressure element.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a control system and catheter device operated in a manner to intermittently occlude a heart vessel for controlled periods of time that provide redistribution of blood flow. In particular embodiments, the system and methods may be configured to monitor at least one input signal detected at a coronary sinus and thereby execute a process for determining a satisfactory time period for the occlusion of the coronary sinus. In further embodiments, after the occlusion of the coronary sinus is released, the control system can be configured to select the duration of the release phase before the starting the next occlusion cycle.

Abstract: A medical implant information reporting device and method of charging the same, the reporting device having an integrated harvesting coil configured to couple energy from an electromagnetic field of a source coil to induce current in the harvesting coil, are provided. According to one aspect, a method includes electrically coupling the harvesting coil to the source coil to charge the medical implant information reporting device, the source coil being sized to be removably disposed one of on and around the torso of a patient and configured to inductively power a medical implant about which the medical implant information reporting device reports.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intravascular blood pump. The blood pump comprises a pump section having a proximal portion with a blood flow inlet and a distal portion with a blood flow outlet and an impeller for causing blood to flow into the blood flow inlet and towards the blood flow outlet. The blood pump further comprises at least one filter connected to the proximal portion of the pump section and arranged with respect to the blood flow inlet so as to filter the blood before it enters the blood flow inlet. The filter may comprise an expandable mesh structure made of a shape-memory material.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for securing a driveline to a bone are disclosed herein. The driveline can connect an external controller to an implantable blood pump. The bone anchor can include a driveline capture portion. The driveline capture portion can receive the driveline and fix a position of the driveline with respect to the driveline capture portion. The driveline capture portion includes: a driveline receiver that can receive the driveline; and a driveline anchor that can engage the driveline to fix the position of the driveline with respect to the driveline receiver. The bone anchor can include a bone capture portion. The bone capture portion can engage a bone and fix a position of the bone with respect to the bone capture portion.

Abstract: A system for treating atrial dysfunction, including heart failure and/or atrial fibrillation, that includes one or more pressurizing elements and control circuitry. The one or more pressurizing elements can comprise one or more balloons and can be configured to be positioned in the left atrium, and optionally the pulmonary artery, of a patient's heart. The one or more pressurizing elements can be coupled to one or more positioning structures that can be configured to position the one or more pressurizing elements in the left atrium, and optionally the pulmonary artery. The control circuitry can be configured to operate the one or more pressurizing elements to decrease or increase pressure and/or volume in the left atrium, and optionally the pulmonary artery, in accordance with different phases of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A method of producing an artificial neural network capable of predicting the survivability of a patient, including: storing in an electronic database patient health data comprising a plurality of sets of data, each set having at least one of a first parameter relating to heart rate variability data and a second parameter relating to vital sign data, each set further having a third parameter relating to patient survivability; providing a network of nodes interconnected to form an artificial neural network, the nodes comprising a plurality of artificial neurons, each artificial neuron having at least one input with an associated weight; and training the artificial neural network using the patient health data such that the associated weight of the at least one input of each artificial neuron is adjusted in response to respective first, second and third parameters of different sets of data from the patient health data.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a blood pump configured to be placed inside a body of subject, the blood pump including an impeller that includes proximal and distal bushings, and a frame disposed around the impeller, the frame including proximal and distal bearings. An axial shaft passes through the proximal and distal bearings of the frame and the proximal and distal bushings of the impeller. The impeller defines a radially-constrained configuration in which the impeller is introduced into the subject's body and a non-radially-constrained configuration in which the impeller is configured to pump blood within the subject's body. The impeller changes from its radially-constrained configuration to its non-radially constrained configuration by the distal bushing sliding over the axial shaft. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A device, a kit and a method are presented for permanently augmenting the pump function of the left heart. The basis for the presented innovation is an augmentation of the physiologically up and down movement of the mitral valve during each heart cycle. By means of catheter technique, minimal surgery, or open heart surgery implants are inserted into the left ventricle, the mitral valve annulus, the left atrium and adjacent tissue in order to augment the natural up and down movement of the mitral valve and thereby increasing the left ventricular diastolic filling and the piston effect of the closed mitral valve when moving towards the apex of said heart in systole and/or away from said apex in diastole.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Abstract: An impeller includes a hub and a blade supported by the hub. The impeller has a stored configuration in which the blade is compressed so that its distal end moves towards the hub, and a deployed configuration in which the blade extends away from the hub. The impeller may be part of a pump for pumping fluids, such as blood, and may include a cannula having a proximal portion with a fixed diameter, and a distal portion with an expandable diameter. The impeller may reside in the expandable portion of the cannula. The cannula may have a compressed diameter which allows it to be inserted percutaneously into a patient. Once at a desired location, the expandable portion of the cannula may be expanded and the impeller expanded to the deployed configuration. A flexible drive shaft may extend through the cannula for rotationally driving the impeller within the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an impeller that includes an impeller frame that comprises proximal and distal end portions and at least one helical elongate element that winds from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. A material is coupled to the at least one helical elongate element, such that the at least one helical elongate element with the material coupled thereto defines a blade of the impeller. A plurality of sutures are tied around the at least one helical elongate element, the sutures being configured to facilitate coupling of the material to the at least one helical elongate element. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Mechanical circulatory supports configured to operate in series with the native heart are disclosed. In an embodiment, a centrifugal pump is used. In an embodiment, inlet and outlet ports are connected into the aorta and blood flow is diverted through a lumen and a centrifugal pump between the inlet and outlet ports. The supports may create a pressure rise between about 40-80 mmHg, and maintain a flow rate of about 5 L/min. The support may be configured to be inserted in a collinear manner with the descending aorta. The support may be optimized to replicate naturally occurring vortex formation within the aorta. Diffusers of different dimensions and configurations, such as helical configuration, and/or the orientation of installation may be used to optimize vortex formation. The support may use an impeller which is electromagnetically suspended, stabilized, and rotated to pump blood.

Abstract: A radially compressible cardiac gripper for at least mechanical stimulation of a heart. The cardiac gripper has two gripper arms, wherein at least one of the gripper arms comprises a flexible section configured for movement of the arm having the flexible section.

Abstract: A cannula supporting a percutaneous pump can include a proximal section with a first flexural modulus. The cannula can include one or more distal sections with a flexural modulus that is different than the first flexural modulus. The material and its arrangement along the length of the cannula can be selected so as to influence bending properties. This can, for example, allow efficient positioning of the cannula in a desired location without displacing the guidewire.