Insertion catheter for a circulatory support catheter

A mechanical circulatory support system, comprising:

• a circulatory support catheter, comprising a circulatory support device carried by an elongate flexible catheter shaft, the circulatory support device comprising a tubular housing, a motor, and an impeller configured to be rotated by the motor;
• and
• an insertion catheter comprising a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a proximal portion adjacent the proximal end, a distal portion adjacent the distal end, and a middle portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion;
• wherein the distal portion of the tubular body is configured to axially movably receive the circulatory support device;
• and
• wherein diameters of the distal portion and the proximal portion are greater than a diameter of the middle portion.

A method of using an insertion catheter with a circulatory support catheter having a circulatory support device carried by an elongate flexible catheter shaft, the method comprising:

• inserting a distal end of the insertion catheter through a proximal end of an introducer sheath that has been advanced into an artery of a patient;
• and
• advancing the insertion catheter through the introducer sheath until the distal end of the insertion catheter extends past a distal end of the introducer sheath;
• wherein the insertion catheter comprises a tubular body having a distal portion adjacent the distal end configured to axially movably receive the circulatory support device;
• and
• wherein the insertion catheter is configured to protect the circulatory support device as it is advanced through the introducer sheath.