Activ Infusion Pump

What it does

Activ is a family of chemotherapy treatment products designed to reduce the stress and impact to the daily activities of patients. Concealed under garments and worn close to the body, Activ allows patients to carry on with typical daily tasks in comfort.

Your inspiration

As is unfortunately the case with far too many of us, a close family member of mine had been diagnosed with cancer. During this time I saw the pain and heartache that cancer can bring to those close to me, in addition I witnessed many unnecessary 'evils'. Routine tasks such as showering or grocery shopping became physically difficult and on occasion induced social anxiety. Cancer treatment is one of the most challenging times anyone can face, reducing the stress and impact on daily life during this time is vital for the well being and care of those you love.

How it works

The Activ Pump is a single use, long-term, one channel elastomeric infusion pump designed to be used with outpatient chemotherapy treatment. The medication and diluent is filled into the pump via a syringe within a controlled laminar flow facility. This is then driven via an elastomeric bladder intravenously into the patient typically through a medical port located on the patient’s chest. The pump has a single port which may be used to fill and express the medication, reducing the risk of error. Typically, the Activ Pump will be carried in the Activ Carry Bag which may be worn over or under the patient's clothes, concealing the pump. The Activ Shower Bag mounts via a suction cup or hangs in the patient’s shower, adapting to whichever is needed. The shower bag incorporates a neoprene mesh; which was cut in a three-point star pattern to allow rotational deformation when stretched around the pump, which firmly secures the pump whilst showering.

Design process

The first stage was to fully understand the problem. This involved creating an activity analysis framework (AAF) which was developed from a series of interviews conducted with healthcare professionals and ex-patients. Two key problem areas arose with physical and social activities. The second stage used the AAF to identify which artefacts from existing medical practices related to the problem areas. From here I began conceptualising, prototyping and testing. Developing the pump first took precedent, the goal was to design something which could fit easily under clothing whilst still being safe and effective in treatment. Developing a variety of foam models after sketching created the initial form, then refinement and technical solutions were reached via CAD. After a low detail form was finalised, work began on the carry bag. Initial designs were sketched and then paper mock-ups were developed and tested with the foam pump model. From this paper templates were created to guide the final textile design. Finally creating a versatile solution for showering was necessary, as stated by patients during interviewing. A variety of patterns and materials were tested, ultimately deciding on neoprene and a three-point star. The addition of a suction cup and hook added the needed versatility.

How it is different

While there are existing infusion pumps on the market with similar technology, the Activ Pump's unique form allows it to be worn discretely under the patients' clothes out of sight and harm's way. In addition to this, the two Activ Carrying Solutions may be applied to existing infusion pump designs, and by doing so actively reduce their impact on a patients' daily life. As chronic healthcare continues to shift towards outpatient treatment, it is paramount that treatment and future development of treatment solutions is adaptive and sensitive to patient's lives.

Future plans

Currently I am hoping to partner with a healthcare company to prototype and test further, to ultimately release to market and help patients get through treatment as easily as possible.

Awards

The Activ Pump was completed during my honours year at university. During which it was fortunate enough to win the 'Infinity Prize' awarded to the most outstanding student of the year. In addition, Activ was a finalist in the Young Australian Design Awards hosted by Good Design Australia.