Low profile inlet for an implantable blood pump

A low profile pump inlet for a blood pump, the inlet comprising an inflow diffuser having two intersecting arcuate channels defining a substantially cardioid flow path, and an outflow orifice, wherein the arcuate channels are in continuous fluid connection with the outflow orifice, and wherein the outflow orifice is configured to direct the fluid from the diffuser into the blood pump.

A low profile pump inlet for directing a fluid into an implantable blood pump, the inlet comprising an inflow diffuser having two intersecting arcuate channels defining a substantially symmetrical cardioid flow path, and an outflow orifice, wherein the arcuate channels are in continuous fluid connection with the annular outflow orifice, and wherein the annular outflow orifice is configured to direct the fluid from the diffuser into the implantable blood pump at an angle substantially perpendicular to the original flow path of the fluid.

An implantable blood pump having a low profile pump inlet, the low profile inlet comprising an inflow diffuser having two intersecting arcuate channels;

• wherein the arcuate channels are in continuous fluid connection with an annular outflow orifice;
• and wherein the annular outflow orifice is configured to direct the fluid from the diffuser into the pump.