US Patent 11077294 Sheath assembly for catheter pump

In one embodiment, a catheter pump assembly is disclosed. The catheter pump assembly can include an impeller assembly. A catheter body can be coupled with the proximal end of the impeller assembly, the catheter body having a reduced stiffness section disposed proximally of the impeller assembly. A sheath assembly can be configured to be translate over the catheter body relative to the impeller assembly from an impeller assembly delivery position to an impeller assembly deployment position. When the sheath assembly is in the impeller assembly deployment position, a reduction in stiffness is provided between the distal end of the sheath assembly and the impeller assembly.