Apparatus and methods are described including delivering a left-ventricular assist device to a subject's aorta. The device including a distal-tip element that defines a straight proximal portion, and a curved distal portion, the curved distal portion defining first and second curves with an elongated straight portion between the first and second curves. The distal-tip element is centered with respect to the aortic valve using the curved distal portion of the distal-tip element, to thereby guide the device through the subject's aortic valve atraumatically. A pump pumps blood through from the subject's left ventricle to the subject's aorta. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including delivering a left-ventricular assist device to a subject's aorta. The device including a distal-tip element that defines a straight proximal portion, and a curved distal portion, the curved distal portion defining first and second curves with an elongated straight portion between the first and second curves. The distal-tip element is centered with respect to the aortic valve using the curved distal portion of the distal-tip element, to thereby guide the device through the subject's aortic valve atraumatically. A pump pumps blood through from the subject's left ventricle to the subject's aorta. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including delivering a left-ventricular assist device to a subject's left ventricle. A tube is positioned such that a proximal portion of the tube traverses an aortic valve of the subject, and a distal portion of the tube is disposed within a left ventricle of the subject. A pump pumps blood through the tube from the subject's left ventricle to the subject's aorta such as to cause the proximal portion of the tube to be maintained in an open state, and to cause at least a portion of the tube to become curved. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including delivering a left-ventricular assist device to a subject's left ventricle. A tube is positioned such that a proximal portion of the tube traverses an aortic valve of the subject, and a distal portion of the tube is disposed within a left ventricle of the subject. A pump pumps blood through the tube from the subject's left ventricle to the subject's aorta such as to cause the proximal portion of the tube to be maintained in an open state, and to cause at least a portion of the tube to become curved. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including delivering a left-ventricular assist device to a subject's left ventricle. A tube is positioned such that a proximal portion of the tube traverses an aortic valve of the subject, and a distal portion of the tube is disposed within a left ventricle of the subject. A pump pumps blood through the tube from the subject's left ventricle to the subject's aorta. A curved element is disposed within the tube and is configured to cause at least a portion of the tube to become curved. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including delivering a left-ventricular assist device to a subject's left ventricle. A tube is positioned such that a proximal portion of the tube traverses an aortic valve of the subject, and a distal portion of the tube is disposed within a left ventricle of the subject. A pump pumps blood through the tube from the subject's left ventricle to the subject's aorta. A curved element is disposed within the tube and is configured to cause at least a portion of the tube to become curved. Other applications are also described.

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 within the subject's left ventricle. A frame disposed within the distal portion of the tube defines cells, and a width of each of the cells within a generally cylindrical portion of the frame is less than 2 mm. An inner lining lines at least some of the cylindrical portion of the frame. An impeller is disposed inside the frame. Other applications are also described.

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 within the subject's left ventricle. A frame disposed within the distal portion of the tube defines cells, and a width of each of the cells within a generally cylindrical portion of the frame is less than 2 mm. An inner lining lines at least some of the cylindrical portion of the frame. An impeller is disposed inside the frame. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including a ventricular assist device that includes a frame having struts that define a plurality of cells. In its non-radially-constrained configuration, the frame includes a generally cylindrical portion. A tube defines blood outlet openings, and a portion of the tube is disposed outside the frame and is coupled to the generally cylindrical portion of the frame, such that the portion of the tube conforms with a structure of struts of the frame. An inner lining is coupled to an inside of the generally cylindrical portion of the frame, such as to provide the generally cylindrical portion of the frame with a smooth inner surface. An impeller is disposed at least partially inside the generally cylindrical portion of the frame and is configured to pump blood through the tube and out of the one of more blood outlet openings. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including a ventricular assist device that includes a frame having struts that define a plurality of cells. In its non-radially-constrained configuration, the frame includes a generally cylindrical portion. A tube defines blood outlet openings, and a portion of the tube is disposed outside the frame and is coupled to the generally cylindrical portion of the frame, such that the portion of the tube conforms with a structure of struts of the frame. An inner lining is coupled to an inside of the generally cylindrical portion of the frame, such as to provide the generally cylindrical portion of the frame with a smooth inner surface. An impeller is disposed at least partially inside the generally cylindrical portion of the frame and is configured to pump blood through the tube and out of the one of more blood outlet openings. Other applications are also described.