Aselsan Hlm Sonqo Surq'an Makina

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The device allows perfusionists (users) to easily create the configurations accordingly to the differing and momentary requirements of each open-heart surgery. The optimized arrangement of components connected to the device decreases the hemolysis of blood, which increases the success rate of the postoperative recovery process.
The usability features of the device reduce the physical and cognitive load of perfusionists, which helps them to take proper actions in time.

Dimensions & Packaging

The device can be used in very crowded operating theaters. Therefore, the dimensions of the device are kept as small as possible to enable surgeons, nurses, and perfusionists to work comfortably and let the device get closer to the patient's bed. Dimensions are 950 x 410 x 1200 mm

Tags

Medical, HLM, Modularity, Cardiopulmonary

Production Technology

The product consists of chemical and Uv resistant materials to enable users to clean the device easily. Large parts of the product are designed using steel material for easy cleaning, virus resistance, and long-lasting, sustainable use. Large volumes are created by bending the steel sheet material. Pump units have a plastic shell to make them easy to carry. All of the mechanical parts in the pump unit are produced by Cnc machining. Supplying the parts locally ensures the device is sustainable.

Design Challenge

Operating theaters (usage environment of the device) are places that are unknown to designers and difficult to empathize with. Also, the user group has its distinctive terminology and traditions.
To understand the actual use, needs, and expectations of perfusionists in detail during the design process, long-term open-heart surgeries have participated. This was one of the most challenging point of the design process. The conservative usage tendency of users was another challenging issue.

Research

User Research, Literature, Research Through Design:
-To examine the problems in usage, to meet with user group, to understand user group's needs and expectations, 5 expert interviews, literature review, a survey with 27 attendees, 12 in-depth interviews, and 8 in-situ observations are done. Insights were that keeping the device as small as possible, reducing the areas that users need to control, bringing the interactions closer, enabling easy configuration for each surgery are critical in usage.

Inspiration

With the noisy, chaotic operation room environment, high workload, and stress, perfusionists can make errors while using the heart-lung machines during open-heart surgeries, which can create dramatic damage to patients. The design aims to reduce the cognitive and physical load on the perfusionists to enhance their performance during long-running open-heart surgeries.

Project Duration

The project started in July 2020 and finished July 2022 in Ankara, Turkey. The applications for intellectual property rights were made in August 2022.

Operation Flow

Perfusionists can use the main screen to configure all settings. Then, they can detach/attach the pump units wherever they need. After these, users can perform most of the required actions only by using a pump unit's touch screen and knob. It allows perfusionists to bring important information provided by screens, reservoir, and vital tubing lines together in a reachable and visible area. This reduces the movements of perfusionists, resulting in a decrease in physical and cognitive load.