US Patent 7686758 Cannula tip for a cardiac assist device

The present invention provides an inflow cannula tip that is shaped to prevent suction with the ventricular wall and adapted to prevent platelet adhesion. In particular, the inlet portion of the cannula tip comprises two projections extending from the cylindrical body of the cannula tip with gaps between the projections. The projections may have beveled edges. The inlet portion of the cannula tip can accept blood flow from either the gaps in the side or from the bottom of the tip. Even if the edge of the cannula tip is close to or even touching ventricle wall, a suction condition will not result, as blood is allowed to flow through the gaps between the projections.