The disclosed principles prevent over pressurization of harvested veins by controlling the amount and consistency of pressure applied through the veins from a continuous flow of fluid. This combination of regulated pressurization and continuity/uniformity in the pressure applied through veins is provided using a preparation pump constructed in accordance with the disclosed principles. In some embodiments the pump incorporates a spiral spring to deliver fluids from a bladder within the pump and through a vessel cannula inserted into the grafted vein, and in other embodiments the pump incorporates magnets to compress the bladder. The disclosed apparatus provides only a limited amount of pressure such that no injury is caused to the vein. Pressure and flow are limited and maintained constant, i.e., no pressure changes/spikes, providing uniform pressurization at a predetermined amount safe for the harvested vein, thereby eliminating the human error present with manual pressurization during distension of grafted veins.

Apparatus and methods are described including a delivery catheter and a delivery tube configured to extend from outside a subject's body into the subject's left ventricle via the delivery catheter. A locking unit is configured to couple to a proximal end of the delivery catheter and the delivery tube is configured to pass through the locking unit. The locking unit includes at least one internal seal configured to surround the delivery tube and to inhibit backflow of blood of the subject, from the delivery catheter, through the locking unit. The locking unit also includes a clip, which has only two states, which consist of a closed state, in which the clip grips the delivery tube so as to inhibit movement of the delivery tube relative to the delivery catheter, and an open state, in which the clip does not grip the delivery tube. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including a delivery catheter and a delivery tube configured to extend from outside a subject's body into the subject's left ventricle via the delivery catheter. A locking unit is configured to couple to a proximal end of the delivery catheter and the delivery tube is configured to pass through the locking unit. The locking unit includes at least one internal seal configured to surround the delivery tube and to inhibit backflow of blood of the subject, from the delivery catheter, through the locking unit. The locking unit also includes a clip, which has only two states, which consist of a closed state, in which the clip grips the delivery tube so as to inhibit movement of the delivery tube relative to the delivery catheter, and an open state, in which the clip does not grip the delivery tube. Other applications are also described.

A carrying case for a controller for an implantable blood pump includes a pouch sized and configured to retain the controller. The pouch has a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the first face including a thermally insulating material and the second face including a thermally transmissive material.

A carrying case for a controller for an implantable blood pump includes a pouch sized and configured to retain the controller. The pouch has a first face and a second face opposite the first face, the first face including a thermally insulating material and the second face including a thermally transmissive material.

The present invention provides intracardiac devices and methods of implanting the same. The intracardiac devices have a collapsible stent design and include an axial pump to support cardiac function. The axial pump can feature a shaftless fluid actuator for enhanced efficiency in fluid transfer while reducing blood cell trauma. The intracardiac devices include valves that are closeable to seal implanted devices from a subject's anatomy. The intracardiac devices include a cleaning system configured to introduce and circulate cleaning solutions and therapeutics to implanted devices. The intracardiac devices are wirelessly powered and controlled. The intracardiac devices can be implanted using minimally invasive procedures without the need for open heart surgery.

A driving mechanism and a blood pump are disclosed. The driving mechanism comprises a housing assembly, a rotating assembly, and a sphere. The rotating assembly has a distal end and a proximal end; the distal end of the rotating assembly is rotatably mounted to the housing assembly. A first groove is formed on the proximal end of the rotating assembly, and the first groove has an internally concave first spherical wall. A second groove is formed on the housing assembly, and the second groove is arranged opposite the first groove; the second groove has an internally concave second spherical wall. A portion of the sphere is arranged within the first groove and a portion within the second groove, which are capable of sliding engagement with the first spherical wall and the second spherical wall, respectively.

A driving mechanism and a blood pump are disclosed. The driving mechanism comprises a housing assembly, a rotating assembly, and a sphere. The rotating assembly has a distal end and a proximal end; the distal end of the rotating assembly is rotatably mounted to the housing assembly. A first groove is formed on the proximal end of the rotating assembly, and the first groove has an internally concave first spherical wall. A second groove is formed on the housing assembly, and the second groove is arranged opposite the first groove; the second groove has an internally concave second spherical wall. A portion of the sphere is arranged within the first groove and a portion within the second groove, which are capable of sliding engagement with the first spherical wall and the second spherical wall, respectively.

A safety mechanism for locking and releasing an accumulator unit of a VAD system with a control unit of a VAD system may be provided. Safety mechanisms may comprise a latching hook having a latching lug, a latching opening, and an actuating element, and may have a rest position, a pre-release position, and a release position as described herein. An actuating element may be configured such that actuation of the actuating element moves the latching hook and/or the latching opening from a pre-release position into a release position.

A safety mechanism for locking and releasing an accumulator unit of a VAD system with a control unit of a VAD system may be provided. Safety mechanisms may comprise a latching hook having a latching lug, a latching opening, and an actuating element, and may have a rest position, a pre-release position, and a release position as described herein. An actuating element may be configured such that actuation of the actuating element moves the latching hook and/or the latching opening from a pre-release position into a release position.