an intravascular flow cannula that is in fluid communication with a blood pump and has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, wherein the distal end portion of the intravascular flow cannula comprises at least one blood flow through opening for blood to enter or exit the intravascular flow cannula, wherein the at least one blood flow through opening has a borderline surrounding the at least one blood flow through opening and the borderline defines a proximal portion of the at least one blood flow through opening; and

a pressure sensor, wherein a portion of the pressure sensor is placed inside the distal end portion of the intravascular flow cannula, wherein the portion of the pressure sensor includes a pressure sensitive surface that borders the proximal portion of the at least one blood flow through opening defined by the borderline such that the pressure sensor is configured to (a) measure a pressure external to the distal end portion of the intravascular flow cannula, and (b) detect a negative pressure due to suction of the distal end portion of the intravascular flow cannula against patient tissue, based on values sensed by the pressure sensor.