| abstract |
The present invention provides an intravascular blood pump comprising an expandable and collapsible region distal to a pump assembly. In some embodiments, the expandable and collapsible region may comprise expandable and collapsible proximal and/or distal transition sections adjacent a central expandable and collapsible region. Support structure, e.g., an expandable and collapsible stent may comprise at least a part of the expandable and collapsible region. In some embodiments, a distal portion of the housing comprises the expandable and collapsible region, wherein an inversion of the distal housing results in a collapsed configuration and eversion of the distal housing results in an expanded configuration. |