A percutaneous circulatory support device includes a housing and an impeller disposed within the housing. The impeller is rotatable relative to the housing to cause blood to flow through the housing. A cannula is coupled to the housing, and a distal tip portion is coupled to the cannula opposite the housing. The distal tip portion includes an inner shaping core configured to maintain a predetermined shape of the distal tip portion and an outer layer disposed outwardly from the inner shaping core or the distal tip portion includes an atraumatic, sphere-shaped distal end.

Apparatus and methods are described for manufacturing a housing for an impeller of a blood pump. A mandrel is placed inside an inner lining, with a central cylindrical portion of a frame disposed around the inner lining, the mandrel being shorter than a length of the inner lining. A portion of an elongate tube is placed around at least a portion of the frame. The inner lining, the frame and the portion of the elongate tube are heated, via the mandrel, and, while heating the inner lining, the frame, and the portion of the elongate tube, pressure is applied from outside the portion of the elongate tube, such as to cause the portion of the elongate tube to become coupled to the frame. Other applications are also described.

An improved system for supporting (e.g., localization and/or positioning of) intravascular devices discussed herein provides for example a multi-element arrangement. A set of struts optionally projects from the intravascular device and contacts the vessel walls. The localization and positioning of the pump may be provided by the struts and/or by use of a tether opposing a propulsive force to ensure localization.

An improved system for supporting (e.g., localization and/or positioning of) intravascular devices discussed herein provides for example a multi-element arrangement. A set of struts optionally projects from the intravascular device and contacts the vessel walls. The localization and positioning of the pump may be provided by the struts and/or by use of a tether opposing a propulsive force to ensure localization.

A catheter pump system is provided herein. The catheter pump system includes a catheter pump, a fluid system located within the catheter pump, and at least one filter membrane. The catheter pump has a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate body extending therebetween, and the elongate body defining at least an inner lumen. The fluid system is configured to pressurize the catheter pump with fluid. The at least one filter membrane is configured to reduce an amount of particles within the fluid of the fluid system.

A catheter pump system is provided herein. The catheter pump system includes a catheter pump, a fluid system located within the catheter pump, and at least one filter membrane. The catheter pump has a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongate body extending therebetween, and the elongate body defining at least an inner lumen. The fluid system is configured to pressurize the catheter pump with fluid. The at least one filter membrane is configured to reduce an amount of particles within the fluid of the fluid system.

A catheter system includes a catheter including an elongate body having an expandable medical device coupled with a distal end thereof, and an introducer sheath assembly disposed over a proximal section of the catheter. The introducer sheath assembly includes an introducer sheath disposed over the catheter to form a gap therebetween, and a tubular plug. The introducer sheath includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a lumen therein. The tubular plug extends through the lumen and includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end that protrudes from the introducer sheath distal end. The plug is disposed between the catheter and the introducer sheath to occlude the gap. The plug is releasably fixed relative to the introducer sheath such that the plug is removable from the lumen to allow the expandable medical device to pass therethrough.

A catheter system includes a catheter including an elongate body having an expandable medical device coupled with a distal end thereof, and an introducer sheath assembly disposed over a proximal section of the catheter. The introducer sheath assembly includes an introducer sheath disposed over the catheter to form a gap therebetween, and a tubular plug. The introducer sheath includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a lumen therein. The tubular plug extends through the lumen and includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal end that protrudes from the introducer sheath distal end. The plug is disposed between the catheter and the introducer sheath to occlude the gap. The plug is releasably fixed relative to the introducer sheath such that the plug is removable from the lumen to allow the expandable medical device to pass therethrough.

Transcatheterly implantable mammalian body conduit intralumenal device and lumen wall anchor assembly. Anchor includes: wire network, connector positioning wires having a secured and a released position, and a connector disposed at end of each wire. Anchor has: a compact-secured-configuration, an expanded-secured-configuration, an expanded-released-configuration. When the anchor is in the expanded-secured-configuration, the wire network exerts a force on conduit lumen wall and the connector positioning wires are the in secured position. When the anchor is in the expanded-released-configuration, the connector positioning wires are in the released position, and do not obstruct fluid flow axially through conduit. Device includes an interconnector that allows for the releasable interconnector of the connectors thereto. Device and anchor assembly can be explanted from the conduit. Or, device can be released from the anchor at the implantation site and only the device explanted with the anchor remaining within the conduit.

Transcatheterly implantable mammalian body conduit intralumenal device and lumen wall anchor assembly. Anchor includes: wire network, connector positioning wires having a secured and a released position, and a connector disposed at end of each wire. Anchor has: a compact-secured-configuration, an expanded-secured-configuration, an expanded-released-configuration. When the anchor is in the expanded-secured-configuration, the wire network exerts a force on conduit lumen wall and the connector positioning wires are the in secured position. When the anchor is in the expanded-released-configuration, the connector positioning wires are in the released position, and do not obstruct fluid flow axially through conduit. Device includes an interconnector that allows for the releasable interconnector of the connectors thereto. Device and anchor assembly can be explanted from the conduit. Or, device can be released from the anchor at the implantation site and only the device explanted with the anchor remaining within the conduit.