Guidable intravascular blood pump and related methods

摘要

An improved intravascular blood pump and related methods involving the broad inventive concept of equipping the intravascular blood pump with guiding features such that the intravascular blood pump can be selectively positioned at a predetermined location within the circulatory system of a patient.

主权项

1. A method for perfusing a patient with an intravascular blood pump system, the intravascular blood pump system comprising (i) an intravascular blood pump comprising a rotor having a rotor hub tapering in the distal direction, at least one blade extending radially outward from the rotor hub, the hub having a distal end extending distally beyond the most distal portion of the blade and a shroud within which the rotor is rotatably disposed; (ii) a cannula extending from the shroud and comprising an outer cannula surface, the outer cannula surface having a substantially circular cross-section along a portion of its length; (iii) a first lumen in fluid communication with the intravascular blood pump and operatively arranged to deliver purge fluid to the intravascular blood pump; and (iv) a guide mechanism configured as a second lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the guide mechanism adapted to guide a distal portion of said intravascular blood pump system to a predetermined location within the circulatory system of a patient, wherein an axis coaxial with and extending through a portion of said guide mechanism extends through a region delimited by the outer cannula surface, and wherein the guide mechanism is configured to allow for a guide wire to slideably advance therealong, the method comprising the steps of:
progressing a guide wire to a predetermined location in the circulatory system of the patient; and advancing the blood pump system along the guide wire to the predetermined location.