Patent ID: 7892162

Claim:
An intraaortic balloon pump assembly comprising an intraaortic balloon pump, a vascular graft, and a stopper, wherein: the intraaortic balloon pump comprises an inflatable distal chamber and an elongate proximal inflation tube defining a channel in fluid communication with the chamber; the vascular graft defines a graft lumen and comprises a distal end so sized and shaped as to be suited for grafting to an artery; the stopper fills the graft lumen except for a hole defined through the stopper's length, the hole providing a conduit through the graft lumen; the stopper comprises an exterior surface that defines one or more notches that receive ties placed around the vascular graft to secure the graft to the stopper; the inflation tube passes through the conduit and is immobilized relative to the stopper; the graft lumen is wide enough to allow passage of the balloon pump chamber; and the conduit is too narrow to allow passage of the balloon pump chamber.