Apparatus and methods are described including a catheter (20), a first pump (24U) disposed on the catheter, and a second pump (24D) disposed on the catheter, proximally to the first pump. A control unit (52) is configured to control activation of the first and second pumps. The first and second pumps are configured, when activated, to pump fluid in opposite directions from one another. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including an impeller that includes an impeller frame that comprises proximal and distal end portions and a plurality of blades. Each of the impeller blades includes a curved elongate element and at least one radial element extending radially from the curved elongate element toward a longitudinal axis of the impeller frame. Other applications are also described.

Fluid pressure or flow in a human body may be adjusted with circulation or perfusion systems and methods. The system may include a first pump implantable in a chamber or vessel of the human body, and a plurality of struts connected to a housing of said first pump, wherein the struts secure the first pump in a desired location of the chamber or vessel. The system may also include one or more flow modification elements disposed on the first pump, where the flow modification elements direct flow to a desired organ or a desired vessel to adjust pressure or flow as desired.

A blood pump comprises a pump casing having a blood flow inlet and a blood flow outlet, and an impeller arranged in said pump casing so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The impeller has blades sized and shaped for conveying blood from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet. The blood pump also has an outflow cannula having an upstream end portion, a downstream end portion and an intermediate portion extending between the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion. The upstream end portion of the outflow cannula is connected to the pump casing such that blood is conveyed from the blood flow outlet of the pump casing into and through the intermediate portion of the outflow cannula towards the downstream end portion of the outflow cannula, wherein the downstream end portion has a blood flow outlet through which blood can exit the outflow cannula. At least a portion of the intermediate portion of the outflow cannula has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the pump casing.

Apparatus and methods are described including an impeller for use in a blood pump. An impeller frame includes 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 helical elongate element, such that the helical elongate element with the material coupled thereto defines a blade of the impeller. A mediator is coupled to the helical elongate element. The helical elongate element has a first stiffness, the material has a lower stiffness than the first stiffness, and the mediator is configured to enhance bonding between the helical elongate element and the material. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including an impeller for use in a blood pump. An impeller frame includes 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 helical elongate element, such that the helical elongate element with the material coupled thereto defines a blade of the impeller. A mediator is coupled to the helical elongate element. The helical elongate element has a first stiffness, the material has a lower stiffness than the first stiffness, and the mediator is configured to enhance bonding between the helical elongate element and the material. Other applications are also described.

Systems and methods are described for modulating blood flow through a blood vessel. The systems may include one or more implantable devices including a stent frame positionable within the blood vessel, the stent frame having a substantially oval cross-sectional shape, and a valve defining an inflow end and an outflow end. The inflow end may be coupled to the stent frame and the outflow end defining an aperture and the valve may include at least one leaflet at the outflow end. The at least one leaflet may be positionable to overlay at least a portion of the aperture and configured to move in a radial direction that is perpendicular to a central axis of the stent frame.

Apparatus and methods are described including an impeller configured, in a radially-expanded configuration thereof, to pump a fluid by rotating. A radially expandable cage is disposed around the impeller, such that, in radially-expanded configurations of the impeller and the cage, the impeller is separated from an inner surface of the cage. The impeller is disposed within the cage such that, in response to the cage becoming radially contracted and axially elongated, the impeller radially contracts and axially elongates. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including an impeller configured, in a radially-expanded configuration thereof, to pump a fluid by rotating. A radially expandable cage is disposed around the impeller, such that, in radially-expanded configurations of the impeller and the cage, the impeller is separated from an inner surface of the cage. The impeller is disposed within the cage such that, in response to the cage becoming radially contracted and axially elongated, the impeller radially contracts and axially elongates. Other applications are also described.

A blood pump comprises a pump casing having a blood flow inlet and a blood flow outlet, and an impeller arranged in said pump casing so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The impeller has blades sized and shaped for conveying blood from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet. The blood pump also has an outflow cannula having an upstream end portion, a downstream end portion and an intermediate portion extending between the upstream end portion and the downstream end portion. The upstream end portion of the outflow cannula is connected to the pump casing such that blood is conveyed from the blood flow outlet of the pump casing into and through the intermediate portion of the outflow cannula towards the downstream end portion of the outflow cannula, wherein the downstream end portion has a blood flow outlet through which blood can exit the outflow cannula. At least a portion of the intermediate portion of the outflow cannula has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the pump casing.