Catheter blood pumps with pressure sensors and related methods of determining positioning

Abstract

Catheter blood pumps with an inlet cage, cannula, impeller assembly and a multiple lumen shaft that is coupled to a that provides connectors that connect to external components. First and second fiberoptic pressure sensors extend inside and along a length of the multi-lumen catheter. The first fiberoptic pressure sensor is longer than the second fiberoptic pressure sensor and extends longitudinally distal to the multi-lumen catheter to terminate at a distal end portion of the cannula, proximal to the inlet cage. The sensor heads of the first fiberoptic pressure sensor and the second fiberoptic pressure sensor are exposed to local environmental conditions. The sensor head of the second fiberoptic pressure sensor can terminate proximal to the impeller cage windows. A pressure differential identified by a difference in pressure provided by the first and second fiberoptic pressure sensors can be used to confirm proper placement during intravascular placement into the heart.