Colloquia

Samenvatting

Within XVIVO, two organ transport devices, the Kidney Assist Transport (KAT) and the Heart Assist Transport (XHAT), have been developed independently, despite both using the same Hypothermic Oxygenated Machine Perfusion (HOPE) technology. As a result, the devices consist of entirely different components, leading to low production volumes, high costs, and an inconsistent brand appearance.

This research aims to develop a modular product architecture that unifies both KAT and XHAT into a cost-effective design with a unified brand identity, while safeguarding their primary function: the safe and effective transport of organs using HOPE. The goal was to maximize component overlap between the devices without compromising technical or functional requirements.

To achieve this, the existing devices were analyzed using a tailored design methodology combining Design Structure Matrix (DSM) and Function-Structure Heuristic Mapping (FSHM) to map component functions and interactions. Modular Function Deployment (MFD) was applied to evaluate components based on strategic design criteria, particularly XVIVO’s brand values, innovation, reliability, and professionality, and cost efficiency. Component selection for the redesign was based on expert input, weighing trade-offs between brand alignment and cost. Set-Based Design (SBD) was used to structure and refine the selected components to a concept direction.

The outcome is a modular design in which all components are shared between both products, except for organ-specific organ connection, (the cannulation) and the gas in the oxygen cylinder. This enables increased production scale, simplified logistics, and reduced unit costs. Explicit brand elements were integrated into the design to strengthen brand recognition, while considerations for maintenance and assembly enhanced overall product reliability.

The final concept demonstrates how modular design can effectively integrate functional requirements, cost efficiency, and brand identity into a single system that supports both heart and kidney perfusion during organ transport.