| abstract |
A catheter pump assembly is provided that includes an elongate body assembly, a shaft, and an impeller. The assembly has a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending therebetween. The shaft is disposed at least partially within the elongate body, e.g., in the at least one lumen, and journaled for rotation. The impeller is coupled with a distal portion of the shaft. The impeller is configured to be rotated to induce flow of blood when the impeller is placed in fluid communication with a source of blood. An inflatable balloon brace is disposed on an outer surface of the catheter pump. The inflatable balloon brace is spaced proximally of the impeller and has a low profile configuration for delivery through the vasculature and an expanded configuration for disposing (e.g., position and/or orienting) the impeller within the source of blood. |