A system for inserting a collapsible blood pump into a patient. In some embodiments, the system includes an introducer, the introducer comprising an introducer hub and an introducer sheath extending distally from the introducer hub, the introducer sheath comprising an introducer sheath lumen, the introducer hub comprising a hub connector and a distal hub lumen surrounding a proximal end of the introducer shaft; and a transfer tool comprising a transfer sheath, the transfer sheath comprising a transfer sheath lumen having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the introducer sheath lumen and a transfer tool connector adapted to connect to the hub connector, a distal portion of the transfer sheath extending into the distal hub lumen when the transfer tool connector is connected to the hub connector.

A system for inserting a collapsible blood pump into a patient. In some embodiments, the system includes an introducer, the introducer comprising an introducer hub and an introducer sheath extending distally from the introducer hub, the introducer sheath comprising an introducer sheath lumen, the introducer hub comprising a hub connector and a distal hub lumen surrounding a proximal end of the introducer shaft; and a transfer tool comprising a transfer sheath, the transfer sheath comprising a transfer sheath lumen having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the introducer sheath lumen and a transfer tool connector adapted to connect to the hub connector, a distal portion of the transfer sheath extending into the distal hub lumen when the transfer tool connector is connected to the hub connector.

A percutaneous circulatory support device includes an impeller housing having an inlet and an outlet. A shaft is rotatably fixed relative to the impeller housing. An impeller is configured to rotate relative to the shaft and the impeller housing to cause blood to flow into the inlet, through the impeller housing, and out of the outlet.

A percutaneous circulatory support device includes an impeller housing having an inlet and an outlet. A shaft is rotatably fixed relative to the impeller housing. An impeller is configured to rotate relative to the shaft and the impeller housing to cause blood to flow into the inlet, through the impeller housing, and out of the outlet.

A percutaneous circulatory support device includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A shaft is rotatably fixed relative to the housing. An impeller is disposed within the housing and is rotatably supported by the shaft. The impeller is configured to rotate relative to the shaft and the housing to cause blood to flow into the inlet, through the housing, and out of the outlet. A keeper is coupled to the shaft distally relative to the impeller, and the keeper inhibits axial motion of the impeller relative to the shaft.

A percutaneous circulatory support device includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A shaft is rotatably fixed relative to the housing. An impeller is disposed within the housing and is rotatably supported by the shaft. The impeller is configured to rotate relative to the shaft and the housing to cause blood to flow into the inlet, through the housing, and out of the outlet. A keeper is coupled to the shaft distally relative to the impeller, and the keeper inhibits axial motion of the impeller relative to the shaft.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an implantable blood pump includes a housing defining a flow path, a rotor positioned within the flow path, and a motor including a stator, positioned outside of said housing, the stator including a length of silver wire, wherein the silver wire is not positioned within a hermetically sealed compartment once the blood pump is ready for implantation into a patient in need thereof. The present invention may also include a method of implanting the implantable blood pump including the step of implanting the blood pump within the patient and within or adjacent to the vasculature.

Apparatus and methods are described including manufacturing an impeller by forming a structure having first and second bushings at proximal and distal ends that are connected to one another by at least one elongate element. The elongate element is made to radially expand and form a helical elongate element. An elastomeric material is coupled to the helical elongate element, such that the helical elongate element with the elastomeric material coupled thereto defines a blade of the impeller. The coupling is performed such that a layer of the material disposed around a radially outer edge of the helical elongate element forms the effective edge of the impeller blade. A step is performed to enhance bonding of the elastomeric material to the helical elongate element in a manner that does not cause a protrusion from the effective edge of the impeller blade. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including manufacturing an impeller by forming a structure having first and second bushings at proximal and distal ends that are connected to one another by at least one elongate element. The elongate element is made to radially expand and form a helical elongate element. An elastomeric material is coupled to the helical elongate element, such that the helical elongate element with the elastomeric material coupled thereto defines a blade of the impeller. The coupling is performed such that a layer of the material disposed around a radially outer edge of the helical elongate element forms the effective edge of the impeller blade. A step is performed to enhance bonding of the elastomeric material to the helical elongate element in a manner that does not cause a protrusion from the effective edge of the impeller blade. Other applications are also described.

Apparatus and methods are described including coupling a rigid tube to a drive cable that comprises a plurality of coiled wires, by placing ends of the drive cable and the rigid tube at a given location within a butt-welding overtube. The ends of the drive cable and the rigid tube are visible when they are disposed at the given location within the butt-welding overtube, via a window defined by the butt-welding overtube. The placement of the drive cable within the butt-welding overtube is such that a helical groove within a portion of the butt-welding overtube is disposed over the drive cable. Welding rings are formed around the butt-welding overtube. Other applications are also described.