Devices, methods and systems for counterpulsation and blood flow conduit connection

Abstract

A blood flow conduit includes a first conduit portion defining a first portion of a lumen and blood flow path, and a second conduit portion defining a second portion of a lumen and blood flow path. The first portion of the lumen has a smoother surface for contacting the blood flow than the second portion of the lumen. A discontinuity such as a tip portion is positioned between the first and second portions of the lumen.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A blood flow conduit, comprising:
 a first conduit portion defining a first portion of a lumen; and   a second conduit portion defining a second portion of a lumen, wherein at least one of the first or second conduit portions includes a tip portion and the other of the first or second conduit portions includes an enlarged area, the tip portion extending at least partially into the enlarged area in a manner designed to prevent contact between the tip portion and an inner wall of the enlarged area as blood flows through the lumen.   
     
     
         2 . The blood flow conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the tip portion includes an inner wall with a surface roughness less than a surface roughness of the inner wall of the enlarged area. 
     
     
         3 . The blood flow conduit of  claim 2 , wherein the tip portion is formed from at least one material selected from the group consisting of metals or polymers, and the enlarged area is formed from a material that promotes tissue or cell ingrowth. 
     
     
         4 . The blood flow conduit of  claim 2 , wherein the tip portion is formed at least partially from silicone, and the enlarged area is formed from a fabric or textile. 
     
     
         5 . The blood flow conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the enlarged area is formed in at least two pieces adapted to be affixed together during a surgical procedure. 
     
     
         6 . The blood flow conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the tip portion is part of a blood pump. 
     
     
         7 . The blood flow conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second conduit portions are configured to be affixed together during a surgical procedure. 
     
     
         8 . The blood flow conduit of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second conduit portions are configured to be affixed together and to a pump during a surgical procedure. 
     
     
         9 . The blood flow conduit of  claim 1 , further comprising a washer affixed around the tip portion. 
     
     
         10 . A blood flow assist system, comprising:
 a blood pump; and   a blood flow conduit as set forth in  claim 1 .