US Patent 6974436 Integrated pump and cannula system and related methods

The present invention relates to systems and methods for transporting fluid between different locations within a body cavity and, in one particular application, systems and methods for transporting fluids to maintain at least partial blood flow through a protected blood flow path within the right and/or left side of the heart during surgery. The protected blood flow path may be established by positioning one or more conduits within at least a portion of the right and/or left sides(s) of the heart. At least partial blood flow may be maintained through the protected blood flow path by the pumping action of a blood pump disposed within the conduit.