A catheter pump includes a displacement structure and a catheter. The catheter
has an inlet in its distal end portion and an outlet spaced from the distal end
portion. The displacement structure alternatingly applies suction for displacing
fluid from the catheter to the displacement structure and pressure for displacing
fluid from the displacement structure to the catheter. By inserting a distal end
portion of the catheter into the aorta, pulsations can be applied to the blood
pressure in the aorta. By applying pulsations, perfusion of the organs can be improved.