Blood pump

Abstract

The present invention relates to a blood pump (10) comprising a pump housing (12), the pump housing (12) comprising a main housing part (14) and bearing support part (16). The main housing part (14) comprises a proximal end (24), a distal end (26), and a distal end portion (28) having an inner peripheral surface (30) and extending from the distal end (26) of the main housing part (14) in a direction of the proximal end (24) of the main housing part (14). The bearing support part (16) comprises a proximal end (32), a distal end (34) and a proximal end portion (36) having an outer peripheral surface (38), wherein the proximal end portion (36) of the bearing support part (16) extends from the proximal end (32) of the bearing support part (16) in a direction of the distal end (34) of the bearing support part (16). The proximal end portion (36) of the bearing support part (16) is at least partially disposed within the distal end portion (28) of the main housing part (14). The bearing support part (16) may comprise a collar portion (40) between the proximal end (32) and the distal end (34) of the bearing support part (16), wherein the collar portion (40) may extend radially outwardly from the proximal end portion (36) of the bearing support part (16).

Description

[0001] New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0002] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0003] 215097 PWO

[0004] 18 February 2026

[0005] 1 / 23

[0006] BLOOD PUMP

[0007] The present invention relates to a blood pump comprising a pump housing. In particular, the present invention relates to an intravascular blood pump for percutaneous insertion into a patient’s blood vessel, to support a blood flow in a patient’s blood vessel. The blood pump may also be an intracardiac blood pump or any other kind of ventricular assist device.

[0008] BACKGROUND

[0009] Various blood pumps are known from the prior art e.g., axial blood pumps, centrifugal (i.e., radial) blood pumps or mixed-type blood pumps, where the blood flow is caused by axial forces as well as by radial forces. The blood pump can be advanced through a patient’s blood circulatory system, i.e., veins and / or arteries, to a position in the patient’s heart or elsewhere within the patient’s vasculature. Such a blood pump is typically disposed at the end of a catheter, which is used to insert and position the pump, and later to withdraw the pump. Once in position, the pump may be used to pump blood through the circulatory system and, therefore, temporarily reduce workload on the patient’s heart, such as to enable the heart to recover after a heart attack.

[0010] Therefore, a blood pump typically comprises a pumping section with a pump housing having a blood flow inlet and a blood flow outlet connected by a blood flow passage, a pump element in form of an impeller disposed in said pump housing being rotatable about an axis of rotation for conveying blood from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet along the blood flow passage. Further, such blood pumps comprise a drive unit configured to rotate the impeller.

[0011] Furthermore, at least one bearing member is provided to support rotation of the impeller relative to the pump housing. Some blood pumps comprise a distal bearing member supporting a distal portion of the impeller. To facilitate the assembly of such blood pumps, the pump housing is a multi-part housing comprising a main housing part and a bearing support part, with the bearing support part comprising the bearing member supporting rotation of the pump element relative to the pump housing. The bearing support part is attached to main housing part in that it is inserted into the main housing part through a distal opening of the main housing part. A certain degree of flexibility regarding axial position of the bearing support part within the main housing part is necessary to compensate manufacturing tolerances and to adjust proximal bearing preload. In general, an adhesive connection fixes the bearing support part to the main housing part, whereby other fixing options are also possible e.g., welding.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0012] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0013] 215097 PWO

[0014] 18 February 2026

[0015] 2 / 23

[0016] However, the resulting connection and the edge formed by fixation of the bearing support part within the main housing part are then disposed within the blood stream when the blood pump is in use within the patient’s body. They are directly exposed to orthogonal flow, which is not conducive to hemocompatibility and flow dynamics.

[0017] Hence, it is the object of the present invention to provide an ameliorated blood pump.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] According to a first aspect, a blood pump comprises a pump housing. The pump housing comprises a main housing part and bearing support part. The main housing part comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a distal end portion having an inner peripheral surface and extending from the distal end of the main housing part in a direction of the proximal end of the main housing part. The bearing support part comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a proximal end portion having an outer peripheral surface, wherein the proximal end portion of the bearing support part extends from the proximal end of the bearing support part in a direction of the distal end of the bearing support part. The proximal end portion of the bearing support part extends from the proximal end of the bearing support part in a direction of the distal end of the bearing support part. The proximal end portion of the bearing support part is at least partially disposed within the distal end portion of the main housing part. The bearing support part may comprise a collar portion between the proximal end and the distal end of the bearing support part, wherein the collar portion may extend radially outwardly from the proximal end portion of the bearing support part.

[0020] Accordingly, the collar portion shields the connection between the main housing part and the bearing support part so that the connection is not exposed to orthogonal flow when the blood pump is in use within the patient’s body. This increases the hemocompatibility of the blood pump.

[0021] The bearing support part may be configured to be axially introduced into the main housing part. The proximal end portion of the bearing support part may be introduced into the main housing part through an opening of the main housing part. The opening of the main housing part may have a circular shape. The opening of the main housing part may have any other suitable shape e.g., an oval shape, a star shape, a rhombus shape ora trapezoidal shape. The proximal end portion of the bearing support part may have a matching shape. One of the proximal end portion of the bearing support part and the distal end portion of the main housing part may have a tongue ora groove and the other one of the proximal end portion of the bearing support part and the distal end portion of the main housing part may have the other one of the tongue and the groove.

[0022] The distal end portion of the main housing part may have a first inner diameter and the collar portion may have a first outer diameter. The first outer diameter may be greater than the first inner diameter. Thus, the collar portion is always positioned outside of the main housing part. The first inner diameterNew PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0023] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0024] 215097 PWO

[0025] 18 February 2026

[0026] 3 / 23

[0027] may be the inner diameter of the distal end portion i.e., the diameter defined by the inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the main housing part.

[0028] The distal end portion of the main housing part may have a second outer diameter, wherein the second outer diameter may be equal to first outer diameter of the collar portion. Thus, the collar portion may be flush with the distal end portion of the main housing part in the axial direction. The proximal end portion of the bearing support part may have a third outer diameter. The third outer diameter of the proximal end portion of the bearing support part and the first inner diameter of the distal end portion of the main housing part are selected so that the clearance between them in the radial direction is minimal, but allows for the proximal end portion of the bearing support part to be inserted into the distal end portion of the main housing part.

[0029] The collar portion may have an axial extension which is greater than the difference between the first inner diameter and the first outer diameter.

[0030] The main housing part may comprise an axial front face disposed at the distal end of the main housing part. A gap may be formed between the axial front face and the collar portion. The gap may open in the radial outward direction. The gap allows to account for tolerances in that the axial position of the bearing support part relative to the main housing part may be adapted as needed.

[0031] As least at least one welding spot may be provided in the gap welding the bearing support part to the main housing part. Welding is possible here, as the connection area is not exposed to the blood flow when the blood pump is in use, as the welding spot is provided on an outer circumference of the pump housing. In contrast to using an adhesive, the surfaces of the to be joined parts do not need to be rough.

[0032] The collar portion may end or terminate at the distal end of the bearing support part. The collar portion may comprise a radially inner chamfer extending to the distal end of the bearing support part. The radially inner chamfer may widen in the distal direction. The chamfer may axially extend along the entire collar portion. The chamfer may axially extend along only a part of the collar portion. The chamfer may have a most distal diameter being equal or greater than the first inner diameter of the main housing part.

[0033] The bearing support part may comprise an annular portion. The bearing support part may comprise a bearing support portion. The bearing support part may comprise at least one bearing support arm. The bearing support portion may be disposed about a central axis of the bearing support part. The at least one bearing support arm may connect the annular portion with the bearing support portion. The bearing support portion may comprise a bearing member configured to support the impeller of the blood pump. The bearing support part preferably comprises three bearing support arms connecting the inner peripheral surface of the bearing support part with the bearing support portion.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0034] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0035] 215097 PWO

[0036] 18 February 2026

[0037] 4 / 23

[0038] The at least one bearing support arm may have a proximal edge pointing towards the proximal end of the main housing part. The proximal edge may at least partially be oblique relative to the central axis of the bearing support part. In other words, the proximal edge may at least partially be sloped or slanted relative to the central axis of the bearing support part. Thus, at least a part of the proximal edge of the at least one bearing support arm is not orthogonal to the central axis of the bearing support part. The pitch of the proximal edge may change over the radial extension of the proximal edge and may even be reversed. Preferably, the proximal edge is at least partially inclined towards the distal end of the bearing support part. Preferably, when viewed in the radial direction from the bearing support portion, the proximal edge is initially inclined forward in the distal direction and then forms an arc in the proximal direction. The arc is preferably of quarter-circular shape. This leads to reduced shear rates in the area of the proximal edge and thus to reduced hemolysis.

[0039] The proximal edge may comprise a first section extending from the bearing support portion and a second section. The first section may extend from the bearing support portion and the second section may follow on from the first section and may run into the annular portion. The first section may be a virtually straight line in a lateral projection. Preferably, the first section is a straight line in the lateral projection. The first section may be inclined relative to the central axis towards the distal end of the bearing support part in the lateral projection. The second section may be shaped like a circular arc in the lateral projection. The second section may have a convex curvature in the lateral projection. This leads to reduced shear rates in the area of the proximal edge and thus to reduced hemolysis.

[0040] The at least one bearing support arm may comprise a radially outermost thickened portion. The radially outermost thickened portion preferably extends in the circumferential direction. The radially outermost thickened portion may form the transition portion between the at least one bearing support arm and the inner peripheral surface of the bearing support part.

[0041] The pump housing may comprise at least one sensor configured to sense at least one blood parameter. The at least one blood parameter may for instance include a blood pressure and / or a temperature. The at least one sensor may be an optical sensor. The at least one sensor is preferably disposed in the thickened portion. The at least one sensor is preferably supported in a hole or groove provided in the thickened portion. The blood pump may comprise a cable connected to the sensor. The cable may be an optical fiber. The main housing part may comprise a guiding structure configured to support the cable. The guiding structure may be a groove. The guiding structure may at least partially extend axially along the main housing part. The at least one sensor comprises a distal end and the distal end may be flush with the distal end of the bearing support part. It should be noted that “flush” in the sense of this disclosure is not only to be understood as absolute flush. Rather, it also includes slight deviations from an absolute flush configuration.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0042] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0043] 215097 PWO

[0044] 18 February 2026

[0045] 5 / 23

[0046] The bearing support part may at least partially be composed of a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (FeCrAI alloy). The main housing part may at least partially be composed of a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (FeCrAI alloy). The ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy may comprise between 1% and 7% of aluminum (Al). The ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy may comprise between 20% and 25% of chromium (Cr). Preferably, the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises 5.8% of Al and / or preferably between 20.5% and 23.5% of Cr. Further, the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy preferably comprises between 0% and 0.08% of carbon (C), between 0% and 0.7% of silicon (Si) and / or between 0% and 0.4% of Manganese (Mn). This allows for a superior form stability. Further, said material has superior oxidation properties and has a low tendency to ageing and a low resistance change. The ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy may be Kanthal APM.

[0047] The bearing support part may at least partially comprise an oxide layer as an outermost layer. The main housing part may at least partially comprise an oxide layer as an outermost layer. The oxide layer may be formed on the ferritic-iron-chromium-alloy, wherein the oxide layer preferably comprises a ceramic material, preferably AI2O3. The oxide layer preferably has a thickness of 0.5 pm to 5 pm, preferably of 2 pm. A ceramic material, and in particular AI2O3, has superior characteristics in terms of wear and corrosion resistance.

[0048] An adhesive may be provided between the proximal end portion of the bearing support part and the distal end portion of the main housing part. The adhesive may be applied to pre-fix the bearing support part to the main housing part before welding the parts together.

[0049] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, reference is made to the drawings. The scope of the disclosure is not limited, however, to the specific embodiments according to the present disclosure disclosed in the drawings.

[0051] In the drawings:

[0052] Fig. 1 is a side view of a blood pump according to the prior art;

[0053] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal end of the blood pump of Fig. 1 with some elements removed;

[0054] Fig. 3 is a side view of a blood pump according to the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig. 4 is perspective detail of the blood pump of Fig. 3; andNew PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0056] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0057] 215097 PWO

[0058] 18 February 2026

[0059] 6 / 23

[0060] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal end of the blood pump of Fig. 3 with some elements removed.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0063] To provide an overall understanding of the systems, methods, and devices described herein, certain illustrative examples will be described. Although various examples may describe intravascular blood pumps, it will be understood that the improvements of the present technology may also be adapted and applied to other types of medical devices such as electrophysiology study and catheter ablation devices, angioplasty and stenting devices, angiographic catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, central venous catheters, midline catheters, peripheral catheters, inferior vena cava filters, abdominal aortic aneurysm therapy devices, thrombectomy devices, TAVR delivery systems, cardiac therapy and cardiac assist devices, including balloon pumps, cardiac assist devices implanted using a surgical incision, and any other venous or arterial based introduced catheters and devices. As is known, intravascular blood pumps can be introduced into a patient, either surgically or percutaneously, to deliver blood from one location in the heart or circulatory system to another location in the heart or circulatory system. For example, when deployed in the left ventricle, an intravascular blood pump can pump blood from the left ventricle of the heart into the aorta. When deployed in the right ventricle, an intravascular blood pump can pump blood from the inferior vena cava into the pulmonary artery.

[0064] Fig. 1 depicts a side view of a blood pump 110 according to the prior art. The blood pump comprises a pump housing 112 having a main housing part 114 and a bearing support part 116 (see Fig. 2). A pump element in form of an impeller 118 is rotatably disposed within the pump housing 112. The pump housing 112 further comprises a blood flow inlet 120 and at least one blood flow outlet 122. In the depicted prior art embodiment, the pump housing 112 comprises a plurality of blood flow outlets 122 evenly distributed about the outer circumference of the pump housing 112. The impeller 118 is driven by a drive unit (not shown) disposed within the pump housing 112. Rotation of the impeller 118 causes a blood flow from the blood flow inlet 120 to the blood flow outlets 122.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0065] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0066] 215097 PWO

[0067] 18 February 2026

[0068] 7 / 23

[0069] The main housing part 114 comprises a proximal end 124, a distal end 126 and a distal end portion 128 extending from the distal end 126 in a direction of the proximal end 124. As shown in Fig. 2, the blood flow inlet 120 is provided at the distal end 126 of the main housing part 114. The distal end portion 128 has an inner peripheral surface 130 extending from the distal end 126 of the main housing part 114 in a direction towards the proximal end 124 of the main housing part 114.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 2, the bearing support part 116 comprises an annular portion 148 and a plurality of bearing support arms 152 connecting the annular portion 148 to a bearing support portion 150 of the bearing support part 116. Here, it has to be noted that the impeller 118 and a distal bearing usually supported in the bearing support portion 150 are not shown for lucidity reasons. The bearing support portion 150 is concentric with a central axis CA which is also concentric with an axis of rotation of the impeller 118. The bearing support part 116 is disposed within the distal end portion 128 of the main housing part 114. In particular, the annular portion 148 of the bearing support part 116 is supported on the inner peripheral surface 130 of the distal end portion 128 so that there is a certain distance D between the distal end 126 of the main housing part 114 and a distal end 134 of the bearing support part 116. To secure the position of the annular portion 148 of the bearing support part 116 relative to the distal end portion 128 of the main housing part 114, the annular portion 148 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface 130 of the distal end portion 128 of the main housing part 114 by an adhesive connection e.g., by gluing. A certain flexibility of the exact axial position of the bearing support part 116 relative to the inner peripheral surface 130 of the distal end portion 128 of the main housing part 114 is necessary to account for tolerances during manufacturing.

[0071] However, mounting the bearing support part 116 accordingly results in an edge E (see dotted circle in Fig. 2) being formed by the annular portion 148 at the distal end 134 of the bearing support part 116 within the flow path of the blood when flowing from the blood flow inlet 120 to the blood flow outlets 122. Further, remainder of the adhesive used to fix the annular portion 148 within the distal end portion 128 of the main housing part 114 may also be present in the area of the edge E. Hence, the edge E and the adhesive connection are disposed within the blood flow, which may cause problems regarding hemocompatibility and clotting.

[0072] Next, an exemplary embodiment of a blood pump 10 according to the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5.

[0073] Fig. 3 shows a side view of a blood pump 10 according to the present disclosure. The blood pump 10 according to this exemplary embodiment is an intravascular blood pump or catheter blood pump and, in this exemplary embodiment, being intended as a left ventricular support device. The blood pump 10 comprises a pump housing 12 having a main housing part 14 and a bearing support part 16 (see Figs.

[0074] 4 and 5). A pump element in form of an impeller 18 is rotatably disposed within the pump housing 12. As in the prior art blood pump shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the pump housing 12 further comprises a bloodNew PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0075] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0076] 215097 PWO

[0077] 18 February 2026

[0078] 8 / 23

[0079] flow inlet 20 and at least one blood flow outlet 22. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the pump housing 12 comprises a plurality of blood flow outlets 22 evenly distributed about the outer circumference of the pump housing 12. The impeller 18 is driven by a drive unit (not shown) disposed within the pump housing 12. Rotation of the impeller 18 causes a blood flow from the blood flow inlet 20 to the blood flow outlets 22. The general concept of the blood pump 10 is described e.g., in WO 2023 / 144205 A1 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0080] The main housing part 14 comprises a proximal end 24, a distal end 26 and a distal end portion 28 extending from the distal end 26 in a direction of the proximal end 24. The distal end portion 28 of the main housing part 14 has an inner peripheral surface 30 extending from the distal end 26 of the main housing part 14 in a direction towards the proximal end 24 of the main housing part 14. An annular axial front face 42 is provided at the distal end 26 of the main housing part 14.

[0081] The bearing support part 16 comprises a proximal end 32, a distal end 34 and a proximal end portion 36 extending from the proximal end 32 of the bearing support part 16 in a direction of the distal end 34 of the bearing support part 16. The proximal end portion 36 of the bearing support part 16 has an outer peripheral surface 38 extending from the proximal end 32 of the bearing support part 16 in a direction of the distal end 34 of the bearing support part 16. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the blood flow inlet 20 is provided at the distal end 34 of the bearing support part 16.

[0082] The bearing support part 16 further comprises a collar portion 40 extending radially outwardly from the proximal end portion 36 of the bearing support part 16. As shown in Fig. 5, the collar portion 40 is provided between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34. In particular, the collar portion 40 is provided directly at the distal end 34 of the bearing support part 16. The collar portion 40 has a first outer diameter OD1 which is greater than a first inner diameter ID1 of the distal end portion 28 of the main housing part 14.

[0083] The distal end portion 30 of the main housing part 14 has a second outer diameter OD2 which in this exemplary embodiment is identical to the first outer diameter OD1 of the collar portion 40. Hence, the collar portion 40 is flush with the distal end portion 30 of the main housing part 14 in the axial direction.

[0084] The bearing support part 16 further comprises an annular portion 48 and a bearing support portion 50. The annular portion 48 and the bearing support portion 50 are arranged concentrically about a central axis CA, which coincides with the axis of rotation of the impeller 18 and the central axis of the main housing part 14. In this exemplary embodiment, a part of the annular portion 48 defines the proximal end portion 36 of the bearing support part 16. A total of three bearing support arms 52 connect the bearing support portion 50 to the annular portion 48. As shown in Fig. 4, each bearing support arm 52 comprises a radially outermost thickened portion 56 which also demarks the transition from theNew PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0085] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0086] 215097 PWO

[0087] 18 February 2026

[0088] 9 / 23

[0089] respective bearing support arm 52 to the annular portion 48. The thickened portion 56 extends in the circumferential direction along the annular portion 48.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 4, each bearing support arm 52 has a proximal edge 54 pointing towards the proximal end 24 of the main housing part 14. In other words, the proximal edge 54 of each support am 52 is disposed opposite to the blood flow inlet 20. Next, the configuration of the proximal edge 54 will be described for one bearing support arm 52, but all proximal edges 54 of all support arms 52 are composed identically.

[0091] The proximal edge 54 runs from the bearing support portion 50 to the annular portion 48. In a lateral projection as shown in Fig. 5, the proximal edge 54 is at least partially oblique relative to the central axis CA of the bearing support part 16. In particular, the proximal edge 54 is at least partially inclined towards the distal end 34 of the bearing support part 16. Here, the proximal edge 54 comprises a first section 62 extending from the bearing support portion 50 and a second section 64 that follows on from the first section 62 and runs into the annular portion 48. The first section 62 is virtually a straight line in the lateral projection and the second section 64 is shaped like a circular arc. As shown, the first section 62 is inclined relative to the central axis CA towards the distal end 34 of the bearing support part 16. The second section 64 has a convex curvature in the lateral projection. Hence, the curvature of the second section 64 turns into the direction of the proximal end 32 of the bearing support part 32.

[0092] In contrast to a completely straight proximal edge known from the prior art (and as shown in Fig. 2), the shear rates of the blood particles of the blood flow is reduced which in turn results in a reduced hemolysis.

[0093] Further, the pump housing 12 may comprise a sensor 58 configured to sense at least one blood parameter e.g., blood pressure. As shown in Fig. 4, the sensor 58 may be supported in a hole or groove formed in one thickened portion 56. In particular, the sensor may be disposed in the thickened portion 56 so that a distal end 60 of the sensor 58 is flush with the distal end 34 of the bearing support part 16.

[0094] The collar portion 40 comprises a radially inner chamfer 46 provided at the distal end 34 of the bearing support part 16 which extends circumferentially, whereby the thickened portions 56 are left out i.e., the radially inner chamfer 46 is not provided at the thickened portions 56. In other words, the three thickened portions 56 subdivide the radially inner chamfer 46 into three portions distributed evenly about the circumference of the distal end 34 of the bearing support part 16. As one can take from Fig.

[0095] 5, the radially inner chamfer 46 widens in the distal direction. In particular, the annular portion 48 of the bearing support part 16 has a second inner diameter ID2 and the diameter of the radially inner chamfer 46 widens from the second inner diameter ID2 in the distal direction or extension of the radially inner chamfer 46. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the radially inner chamfer 46 widensNew PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0096] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0097] 215097 PWO

[0098] 18 February 2026

[0099] 10 / 23

[0100] up to having a diameter equal to the first inner diameter ID1. However, the radially inner chamfer 46 may also widen up to the first outer diameter OD1.

[0101] The proximal end portion 36 of the bearing support part 16 is partially arranged radially inwardly of the distal end portion 28 of the main housing part 14. Therefore, the proximal end portion 36 of the bearing support part 16 has a third outer diameter OD3 which is selected relative to the first inner diameter ID1 of the distal end portion 28 of the main housing part 14 so that the clearance between the third outer diameter OD3 and the first inner diameter ID1 is minimal in the radial direction. This allows for the proximal end portion 36 of the bearing support part 16 to be inserted into the distal end portion 28 of the main housing part 14. However, the collar portion 40 does not abut against the axial front face 42 of the main housing part 14, but a gap G of a certain extent is provided between the axial front face 42 of the main housing part 14 and the collar portion 40. The gap G is provided to account for tolerances during manufacturing so that the axial position of the bearing support part 16 relative to the main housing part 14 can be adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, to secure the bearing support part 16 to the main housing part 14, a plurality of welding spots 44 are provided within the gap G.

[0102] Additionally, the bearing support part 16 may be secured to the main housing part 14 by an adhesive connection provided between the proximal end portion 36 of the bearing support part 16 and the distal end portion 28 of the main housing part 14 e.g., a gluing connection.

[0103] The bearing support part 16 is made of a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy preferably comprises between 1% and 7% of aluminum (Al) and between 20% and 25% of chromium (Cr). Preferably, the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises 5.8% of aluminum (Al) and between 20.5% and 23.5% of chromium (Cr). Further, the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy preferably comprises between 0% and 0.08% of carbon (C), between 0% and 0.7% of silicon (Si) and between 0% and 0.4% of Manganese (Mn). The ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy may be Kanthal APM.

[0104] The blank of the bearing support part 16 may be machined by subtractive machining and subsequent abrasive flow machining to achieve superior surface conditions. Next, the bearing support portion 50 is honed to achieve a diameter accuracy of ±0.1 pm. After honing, the bearing support part 16 is tempered at a temperature of 800 °C to 1300 °C. The oven used for tempering does not have to be pre-heated, but the bearing support part 16 may be placed into the oven which is subsequently heated to the intended temperature. Likewise, the bearing support part 16 does not have to be quenched or removed from the oven after tempering, but may be left inside the oven to cool down. Said tempering step forms a ceramic layer comprising AI2O3of even thickness on the outer surface of the bearing support part 16. In particular, a ceramic layer forming a bearing surface is established on the bearing support portion 50 during the tempering step with a thickness of about 0.5 pm to 5 pm and preferably of about 2 pm. The main housing part 14 may also be made of the identical material and may be processed similarly to the bearing support part 16.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0105] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0106] 215097 PWO

[0107] 18 February 2026

[0108] 11 / 23

[0109] EXEMPLARY IMPLEMENTATIONS

[0110] As already described, the technology described herein may be implemented in various ways. In that regard, the foregoing disclosure is intended to include, but not be limited to, the systems, methods, and combinations and sub-combinations thereof that are set forth in the following exemplary implementations. Preferred embodiments are described in the following paragraphs:

[0111] A1 Blood pump comprising a pump housing, the pump housing comprising a main housing part and bearing support part, wherein the main housing part comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a distal end portion having an inner peripheral surface and extending from the distal end of the main housing part in a direction of the proximal end of the main housing part, wherein the bearing support part comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a proximal end portion having an outer peripheral surface, wherein the proximal end portion of the bearing support part extends from the proximal end of the bearing support part in a direction of the distal end of the bearing support part, wherein the proximal end portion of the bearing support part is at least partially disposed within the distal end portion of the main housing part.

[0112] A2 Blood pump according to paragraph A1 , wherein the bearing support part comprises a collar portion between the proximal end and the distal end of the bearing support part.

[0113] A3 Blood pump according to paragraph A2, wherein the collar portion extends radially outwardly from the proximal end portion of the bearing support part.

[0114] A4 Blood pump according to paragraph A2 or A3, wherein the distal end portion of the main housing part has a first inner diameter and the collar portion has a first outer diameter, wherein the first outer diameter is greater than the first inner diameter.

[0115] A5 Blood pump according to paragraph A4, wherein the collar portion is positioned outside of the main housing part.

[0116] A6 Blood pump according to paragraph A4 or A5, wherein the main housing part may have a second outer diameter.

[0117] A7 Blood pump according to paragraph A6, wherein the second outer diameter is the outer diameter of the distal end portion.

[0118] A8 Blood pump according to paragraph A6 or A7, wherein the second outer diameter is identical to the first outer diameter of the collar portion.

[0119] A9 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A4 to A8, wherein the proximal end portion of the bearing support part has a third outer diameter.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0120] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0121] 215097 PWO

[0122] 18 February 2026

[0123] 12 / 23

[0124] A10 Blood pump according to paragraph A9, wherein the third outer diameter and the first inner diameter of the distal end portion of the main housing part form an engineering fit.

[0125] A11 Blood pump according to paragraph A10, wherein the collar portion has an axial extension that is greater than the difference of the first inner diameter and the first outer diameter.

[0126] A12 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A11 , wherein the main housing part comprises an axial front face disposed at the distal end of the main housing part, wherein a gap is formed between the axial front face and the collar portion.

[0127] A13 Blood pump according to paragraph A12, wherein at least one welding spot is provided in the gap welding the bearing support part to the main housing part.

[0128] A14 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A13, wherein the collar portion ends at the distal end of the bearing support part

[0129] A15 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A14, wherein the collar portion comprises a radially inner chamfer extending to the distal end of the bearing support part

[0130] A16 Blood pump according to paragraph A15, wherein the radially inner chamfer widens in the distal direction.

[0131] A17 Blood pump according to paragraph A15 or A16, wherein the radially inner chamfer axially extends along the entire collar portion.

[0132] A18 Blood pump according to paragraph A15 or A16, wherein the radially inner chamfer axially extends only along a part of the collar portion.

[0133] A19 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A15 to A18, wherein the radially inner chamfer has a most distal diameter being equal to the first inner diameter of the main housing part.

[0134] A20 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A15 to A18, wherein the radially inner chamfer has a most distal diameter being greater than the first inner diameter of the main housing part.

[0135] A21 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A20, wherein the bearing support part and / or the main housing part comprises a central axis.

[0136] A22 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A21 , wherein the bearing support part comprises an annular portion, a bearing support portion and at least one bearingNew PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0137] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0138] 215097 PWO

[0139] 18 February 2026

[0140] 13 / 23

[0141] support arm, wherein the at least one bearing support arm connects the annular portion with the bearing support portion.

[0142] A23 Blood pump according to paragraph A22, wherein the bearing support portion is disposed about the central axis of the bearing support part.

[0143] A24 Blood pump according to paragraph A22 or A23, wherein the bearing support part comprises three bearing support arms.

[0144] A25 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A22 to A24, wherein the at least one bearing support arm has a proximal edge pointing towards the proximal end of the main housing part

[0145] A26 Blood pump according to paragraph A25, wherein the proximal edge is at least partially oblique relative to the central axis of the bearing support part.

[0146] A27 Blood pump according to paragraph A25 or A26, wherein the proximal edge is at least partially inclined towards the distal end of the bearing support part.

[0147] A28 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A25 to A27, wherein the proximal edge comprises a first section extending from the bearing support portion.

[0148] A29 Blood pump according to paragraph A28, wherein the first section is a straight line in a lateral projection.

[0149] A30 Blood pump according to paragraph A28 or A29, wherein the first section is inclined relative to the central axis.

[0150] A31 Blood pump according to paragraph A25 to A30, wherein the proximal edge comprises a second section extending from the annular portion.

[0151] A32 Blood pump according to paragraph A31 , wherein the second section is shaped like a circular arc in a lateral projection.

[0152] A33 Blood pump according to paragraph A31 or A32, wherein the second section follows on from the first section.

[0153] A34 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A13 to A33, wherein the curvature of the second section turns into direction of the proximal end of the bearing support part in a lateral projection.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0154] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0155] 215097 PWO

[0156] 18 February 2026

[0157] 14 / 23

[0158] A35 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A22 to A34, wherein the at least one bearing support arm comprises a radially outermost thickened portion.

[0159] A36 Blood pump according to paragraph A35 wherein the radially outermost thickened portion preferably extends in the circumferential direction.

[0160] A37 Blood pump according to paragraph A35 or A36, wherein the radially outermost thickened portion demarks the transition from the bearing support arm to the annular portion.

[0161] A38 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A35 to A37, wherein the radially outermost thickened portion widens in the circumferential direction.

[0162] A39 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A38, wherein the pump housing comprises at least one sensor configured to sense at least one blood parameter.

[0163] A40 Blood pump according to paragraph A39, wherein the at least one sensor is disposed in the thickened portion

[0164] A41 Blood pump according to paragraph A39 or A40, wherein the at least one sensor is supported in a hole or groove provided in the thickened portion.

[0165] A42 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A39 to A41 , wherein the at least one sensor is an optical sensor.

[0166] A43 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A39 to A42, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a distal end, wherein the distal end of the sensor is flush with the distal end of the bearing support part.

[0167] A44 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the bearing support part is at least partially composed of a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (FeCrAI alloy).

[0168] A45 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the main housing part is at least partially composed of a ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy (FeCrAI alloy).

[0169] A46 Blood pump according to paragraph A44 or A45, wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises between 1% and 7% of aluminum (Al).

[0170] A47 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A44 to A46, wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises between 20% and 25% of chromium (Cr).

[0171] A48 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A44 to A47, wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises between 0% and 0.08% of carbon (C).New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0172] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0173] 215097 PWO

[0174] 18 February 2026

[0175] 15 / 23

[0176] A49 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A44 to A48, wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises between 0% and 0.7% of silicon (Si).

[0177] A50 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A44 to A49, wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises between 0% and 0.4% of Manganese (Mn).

[0178] A51 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A44 to A50, wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises 5.8% of Al.

[0179] A52 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A44 to A51 , wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises between 20.5% and 23.5% of Cr.

[0180] A53 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A44 to A52, wherein the bearing support part at least partially comprises an oxide layer as an outermost layer.

[0181] A54 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A44 to A53, wherein the main housing part at least partially comprises an oxide layer as an outermost layer.

[0182] A55 Blood pump according to paragraph A53 or A45, wherein the oxide layer is formed on the ferritic-iron-ch romium-alloy.

[0183] A56 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A53 to A55, wherein the oxide layer comprises a ceramic material.

[0184] A57 Blood pump according to paragraph A56, wherein the ceramic material is AI2O3.

[0185] A58 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A53 to A57, wherein the oxide layer has a thickness of 0.5 pm to 5 pm, preferably of 2 pm.

[0186] A59 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A44 to A58, wherein the ferritic iron-chromium aluminum alloy is Kanthal APM.

[0187] A60 Blood pump according to any one of the preceding paragraphs A1 to A59, wherein an adhesive is provided between the proximal end portion of the bearing support part and the distal end portion of the main housing part.

[0188] As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certainNew PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0189] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0190] 215097 PWO

[0191] 18 February 2026

[0192] 16 / 23

[0193] features described without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure. The terms „at least partially” or “partially” as used herein mean both partial and entirely or complete respectively. Furthermore, terms like “first” or “second” do not imply a specific order, but are only intended to allow for linguistic differentiation between the elements. Herein, "proximal" and "distal" are seen relative to the physician. Thus, proximal designates something which is relatively close to the physician whereas distal designates something which is relatively far away from the physician when the blood pump is placed at the designated position within the human body.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2 Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0194] 215097 PWO

[0195] 18 February 2026

[0196] 17 / 23

[0197] List of reference signs

[0198] 10 blood pump

[0199] 12 pump housing

[0200] 14 main housing part

[0201] 16 bearing support part

[0202] 18 pump element / impeller

[0203] 20 blood flow inlet

[0204] 22 blood flow outlet

[0205] 24 proximal end of main housing part

[0206] 26 distal end of main housing part

[0207] 28 distal end portion of main housing part

[0208] 30 inner peripheral surface

[0209] 32 proximal end of bearing support part

[0210] 34 distal end of bearing support part

[0211] 36 proximal end portion of bearing support part 38 outer peripheral surface

[0212] 40 collar portion

[0213] 42 axial front face of main housing part

[0214] 44 welding spot

[0215] 46 radially inner chamfer

[0216] 48 annular portion

[0217] 50 bearing support portion

[0218] 52 bearing support arm

[0219] 54 proximal edge

[0220] 56 thickened portion

[0221] 58 sensor

[0222] 60 distal end of sensor

[0223] 62 first section

[0224] 62 second section

[0225] 110 blood pump

[0226] 112 pump housing

[0227] 114 main housing part

[0228] 116 bearing support part

[0229] 118 pump element / impeller

[0230] 120 blood flow inletNew PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2

[0231] Abiomed Europe GmbH

[0232] 215097 PWO

[0233] 18 February 2026

[0234] 18 / 23

[0235] 122 blood flow outlet

[0236] 124 proximal end of main housing part

[0237] 126 distal end of main housing part

[0238] 128 distal end portion of main housing part

[0239] 130 inner peripheral surface

[0240] 134 distal end of bearing support part

[0241] 148 annular portion

[0242] 150 bearing support portion

[0243] 152 bearing support arm

[0244] CA central axis

[0245] D distance

[0246] E edge

[0247] ID1 first inner diameter of distal end portion of main housing part

[0248] ID2 second inner diameter of annular portion

[0249] G gap

[0250] OD1 first outer diameter of collar portion

[0251] OD2 second outer diameter of distal end portion of main housing part OD3 third outer diameter of proximal end portion of the bearing support part

Claims

New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2Abiomed Europe GmbH215097 PWO18 February 202619 / 23CLAIMS1. Blood pump (10) comprising a pump housing (12), the pump housing (12) comprising a main housing part (14) and bearing support part (16),wherein the main housing part (14) comprises a proximal end (24), a distal end (26), and a distal end portion (28) having an inner peripheral surface (30) and extending from the distal end (26) of the main housing part (14) in a direction of the proximal end (24) of the main housing part (14),wherein the bearing support part (16) comprises a proximal end (32), a distal end (34) and a proximal end portion (36) having an outer peripheral surface (38),wherein the proximal end portion (36) of the bearing support part (16) extends from the proximal end (32) of the bearing support part (16) in a direction of the distal end (34) of the bearing support part (16),wherein the proximal end portion (36) of the bearing support part (16) is at least partially disposed within the distal end portion (28) of the main housing part (14).

2. Blood pump (10) according to claim 1 ,wherein the bearing support part (16) comprises a collar portion (40) between the proximal end (32) and the distal end (34) of the bearing support part (16), wherein the collar portion (40) extends radially outwardly from the proximal end portion (36) of the bearing support part (16).

3. Blood pump (10) according to claim 2, wherein the distal end portion (28) of the main housing part (14) has a first inner diameter (ID1) and the collar portion (40) has a first outer diameter (OD1),wherein the first outer diameter (OD1) is greater than the first inner diameter (ID1).

4. Blood pump (10) according to claim 2 or 3,wherein the main housing part (14) comprises an axial front face (42) disposed at the distal end (26) of the main housing part (14), wherein a gap (G) is formed between the axial front face (42) and the collar portion (40).

5. Blood pump (10) according to claim 4,wherein at least one welding spot (44) is provided in the gap (G) welding the bearing support part (16) to the main housing part (14).

6. Blood pump (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 5,New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2Abiomed Europe GmbH215097 PWO18 February 202620 / 23wherein the collar portion (40) ends at the distal end (34) of the bearing support part (16), and wherein the collar portion (40) comprises a radially inner chamfer (46) extending to the distal end (34) of the bearing support part (16), wherein the radially inner chamfer (46) widens in the distal direction.

7. Blood pump (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the bearing support part (16) comprises an annular portion (48), a bearing support portion (50) and at least one bearing support arm (52),wherein the bearing support portion (50) is disposed about a central axis (CA) of the bearing support part (16), andwherein the at least one bearing support arm (52) connects annular portion (48) with the bearing support portion (50).

8. Blood pump (10) according to claim 7,wherein the at least one bearing support arm (52) has a proximal edge (54) pointing towards the proximal end (24) of the main housing part (14), wherein the proximal edge (54) is at least partially oblique relative to the central axis (CA) of the bearing support part (16).

9. Blood pump (10) according to claim 8,wherein the proximal edge (54) is at least partially inclined towards the distal end (34) of the bearing support part (16).

10. Blood pump (10) according to claim 8 or 9,wherein the proximal edge (54) comprises a first section (62) extending from the bearing support portion (50) and a second section (64), wherein the first section (62) extends from the bearing support portion (50), and wherein the second section (64) follows on from the first section (62) and runs into the annular portion (48).11 . Blood pump (10) according to claim 10,wherein the first section (62) is a straight line in a lateral projection.

12. Blood pump (10) according to claim 11 ,wherein the first section (62) is inclined relative to the central axis (CA) towards the distal end (34) of the bearing support part (16) in a lateral projection.

13. Blood pump (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12,wherein the second section (64) is shaped like a circular arc in a lateral projection.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2Abiomed Europe GmbH215097 PWO18 February 202621 / 2314. Blood pump (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 13,wherein the second section (64) has a convex curvature in a lateral projection.

15. Blood pump (10) according to any one of the claims 7 to 14, wherein the at least one bearing support arm (52) comprises a radially outermost thickened portion (56),.

16. Blood pump (10) according to claim 15,wherein the radially outermost thickened portion (56) extends in the circumferential direction.

17. Blood pump (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the pump housing (12) comprises at least one sensor (58) configured to sense at least one blood parameter.

18. pump (10) according to claim 15 or 16,wherein the pump housing (12) comprises at least one sensor (58) configured to sense at least one blood parameter, wherein the at least one sensor (58) is disposed in the thickened portion (56).

19. Blood pump (10) according to claim 18,wherein the at least one sensor (58) is supported in a hole or groove provided in the thickened portion (56).

20. Blood pump according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 19,wherein the at least one sensor (58) comprises a distal end (60), wherein the distal end (60) of the sensor (58) is flush with the distal end (34) of the bearing support part (16).

21. Blood pump (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the bearing support part (16) is at least partially composed of a ferritic iron-chromium- aluminum alloy (FeCrAI alloy).

22. Blood pump (10) according to claim 21,wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy comprises between 1% and 7% of aluminum (Al) and / or between 20% and 25% of chromium (Cr) and / or between 0% and 0.08% of carbon (C) and / or between 0% and 0.7% of silicon (Si) and / or between 0% and 0.4% of Manganese (Mn),wherein the ferritic iron-chromium-aluminum alloy preferably comprises 5.8% of Al and / or preferably between 20.5% and 23.5% of Cr.New PCT Application based on EP 25158842.2Abiomed Europe GmbH215097 PWO18 February 202622 / 2323. Blood pump (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 21 or 22,wherein the bearing support part (16) at least partially comprises an oxide layer as an outermost layer, wherein the oxide layer is formed on the ferritic-iron-chromium-alloy, wherein the oxide layer preferably comprises a ceramic material, preferably AI2O3, andwherein the oxide layer preferably has a thickness of 0.5 pm to 5 pm, preferably of 2 pm.

24. Blood pump (10) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein an adhesive is provided between the proximal end portion (36) of the bearing support part (16) and the distal end portion (28) of the main housing part (14).

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