Author: Alan Morris
A new era for life-sustaining technology
Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) devices are lifelines for patients with severe heart failure, either aiding or replacing the function of a failing heart. For those awaiting a transplant or ineligible for one, these devices often mean the difference between life and death. As specialists in control systems development for this market, we’re driven to push the boundaries of design, exploring ways to improve not just functionality but also the user experience. While reliability and safety remain non-negotiable, we’re seeking to identify opportunities to make these devices more engaging, comforting, and deeply personal.
This isn’t about product development; it’s a creative exploration into what could be, envisioning an MCS controller that does more than sustain life; it connects with it.
Current mechanical circulatory support device controller: the functional baseline
MCS controllers are designed to drive, monitor, and control the heart pump, while displaying critical data on pump speed, blood flow, and battery status. They ensure the continued operation of LVADs and TAHs, performing a crucial function in the MCS lifeline for patients. Yet, market feedback indicates that the user experience often remains clinical and detached. Information is presented, but not always in a way that resonates with or reassures patients. Alarms are sometimes described as anxiety-inducing rather than informative, and first responders may struggle to provide appropriate care due to a lack of familiarity and training.
A new vision: connecting with the human heart
Our creative vision for a next-generation MCS controller is rooted in the idea of connection. Our brief is to generate ideas as to how the controller might connect with the patient on a more personal level, celebrating the life-sustaining technology, and enhancing the relationship between the person and their life-sustaining equipment. This connection extends to family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, creating a support network around the patient.
An engaging, thoughtful user interface
At the heart of our design concept is a circular touchscreen, a choice that symbolizes the continuous flow of life-giving blood circulated by the device. A continuously pulsing and rotating ring becomes the symbol of the patient’s (new) heart, tirelessly working to sustain life. The circular form invites observation, interaction, and connection, making the experience of using the controller intuitive and organic.
To foster a deeper connection between the technology and the person, we’ve explored ideas to address some of the most common concerns:
- Is my device working okay? We’ve envisaged a central, life-affirming symbol that instantly communicates the system’s status, providing reassurance and addressing a fundamental anxiety for MCS recipients. It changes colour and will eventually sound an alarm if needed, but its primary role is to convey confidence and calmness.
- Are my batteries okay? A simple yet essential query. We’re exploring ideas to clearly show if there’s enough battery life for various activities, helping to ease daily concerns. Hours of use available in different use scenarios; running, walking; driving; gardening etc.
- Why are alarms sounding, and what should I do? Instead of signaling there’s a problem, we want to explain why an alarm is triggered. To reduce anxiety, we’re exploring ways to provide more detailed information on alarms and necessary actions, perhaps through video guides, step-by-step flowcharts, or voice instructions.
- What do I need to know as a first responder? A special mode could provide critical information for emergency personnel, enabling them to diagnose and treat an MCS patient more effectively.
- How do I quickly contact my VAD coordinator? We’re considering a one-touch connection feature, ensuring help is always just a tap away, whether on the VAD controller or an app on a smart device.
Seamless integration into daily life
Beyond engagement, the new MCS controller is designed to fit seamlessly into the patient’s life. It connects effortlessly with mobile devices and smartwatches, extending its presence beyond the bedside and into daily activities. Whether the patient is sleeping, walking, or exercising, the controller adapts, providing real-time feedback and suggestions, always with a gentle touch.
A human-centered approach to life-sustaining design
Designing an MCS controller is more than an engineering challenge; we want to approach it as an artistic endeavor. It’s about understanding the human experience and crafting a device that doesn’t just keep someone alive but enriches their life. With this in mind, we’re exploring what’s possible when we blend technology with empathy, creating a device that is as thoughtful as it is functional, and as beautiful as it is essential.
In reimagining the MCS controller, we’re not just changing the way patients interact with their devices, we’re redefining the relationship between technology and the human heart. This is a design concept to celebrate life, in all its complexity and beauty. This is the future we’re building.
