-- Sagar Haval, Founder and CEO of The Simulator Company Ltd and Innovatr Ltd, has announced the launch of the ECMO Simulation Academy, a new global initiative focused on advancing training standards in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) therapies, including ECMO, Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), and bi-ventricular assist systems.
The initiative has been developed in response to a persistent challenge within critical care: while life-support technologies have advanced significantly over the past two decades, structured and realistic training methodologies have not evolved at the same pace. The ECMO Simulation Academy aims to address this gap by providing clinicians with access to high-fidelity simulation environments designed to replicate real-world clinical complexity.
A Growing Need for Advanced Clinical Preparedness
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is widely regarded as one of the most complex forms of life support, used in cases of severe cardiac and respiratory failure. Its successful application requires not only technical knowledge but also rapid decision-making in high-pressure and often unpredictable conditions.
Despite its increasing adoption across healthcare systems, variability in training approaches continues to affect outcomes. Many programmes rely on limited exposure or simplified simulation models that do not fully reflect the dynamic nature of ECMO management.
The ECMO Simulation Academy has been established to introduce a more structured and comprehensive approach to training. By combining advanced simulation technology with scenario-based learning, the Academy is designed to help clinicians develop both technical proficiency and critical thinking skills.
Simulation Designed Around Real Clinical Conditions
A central component of the Academy is the use of simulation systems developed by The Simulator Company, which focus on recreating real-life variability rather than controlled, step-based scenarios.
Traditional training tools often guide users through predefined sequences, limiting exposure to unexpected complications. In contrast, the systems integrated into the Academy are designed to reflect the unpredictability of actual patient conditions, where deterioration may occur without warning and clinical decisions must be made with incomplete information.
This approach aims to better prepare healthcare professionals for real-world situations, where outcomes depend on the ability to respond effectively under pressure.
Built on Two Decades of Clinical and Training Experience
The development of the ECMO Simulation Academy is informed by more than 20 years of experience in perfusion technology and clinical training.
Haval began his career in India, where he worked in cardiac centres that were early adopters of ECMO therapy. During this time, he observed that the primary limitation in patient outcomes was not access to equipment but a lack of specialised training in managing complex life-support systems.
This observation led to a long-term focus on education and capacity building. Over the course of his career, he has trained thousands of clinicians across South Asia and Southeast Asia and contributed to the establishment of over 100 ECMO centres.
When this work began, ECMO availability in India was limited to only a handful of centres. Within a few years, access expanded significantly, supported in part by structured training initiatives.
Transition to Independent Innovation
While continuing his work in clinical training, Haval also began developing simulation technologies independently. These systems were designed to address limitations in existing training models, particularly the lack of realism in crisis scenarios.
In 2021, he made the decision to leave his corporate role and bring these technologies to market independently. The Simulator Company Ltd was formally launched in 2022, followed by Innovatr Ltd in 2023, focusing on medical device manufacturing.
Through these ventures, he became the first perfusionist and ECMO specialist to design, manufacture, and distribute patented simulation technologies at a global level.
Product Development and Global Reach
As of early 2026, the companies have collectively developed more than 250 innovations, with over 17 products released internationally. These products cover a range of applications within extracorporeal support, including ECMO, LVADs, and bi-ventricular assist systems.
Each system has been designed with an emphasis on replicating real clinical challenges rather than idealised conditions. This includes the ability to simulate complications, system failures, and patient instability—factors that are critical to effective training but often absent from conventional models.
The Simulator Company has received multiple recognitions in the field of medical simulation and is considered one of the most active contributors to ECMO training technology development.
Expanding Access Through the ECMO Simulation Academy
The ECMO Simulation Academy represents an effort to scale these training methodologies beyond individual institutions.
The Academy is structured to support a range of users, including:
- Hospitals introducing new ECMO programmes
- Established centres seeking to improve training consistency
- Individual clinicians requiring advanced, scenario-based learning
By standardising training approaches and integrating advanced simulation tools, the initiative aims to create a more consistent level of preparedness across different healthcare environments.
The Academy is expected to operate through a combination of in-person training, structured programmes, and collaborative partnerships with healthcare institutions.
Recognition and Industry Context
The launch of the ECMO Simulation Academy comes at a time when global demand for advanced life-support training is increasing. The expansion of ECMO programmes, particularly following recent global health challenges, has highlighted the importance of preparedness in critical care.
In 2025, Haval’s contributions to the field were acknowledged through an invitation to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by His Majesty King Charles. The recognition reflects the growing visibility of simulation-based training within the broader healthcare landscape.
However, the focus of current efforts remains on addressing practical challenges within clinical environments, particularly the need for training systems that accurately reflect real-world conditions.
Addressing the Gap Between Technology and Practice
A recurring issue in critical care is the gap between what is technically possible and what can be reliably delivered in practice. While advancements in medical devices have expanded treatment options, outcomes often depend on the level of training and experience available within clinical teams.
The ECMO Simulation Academy has been developed with the objective of narrowing this gap. By providing access to realistic training environments, the initiative aims to support more consistent application of advanced therapies.
This approach aligns with broader trends in healthcare, where simulation-based training is increasingly recognised as a key component of clinical education.
Future Direction
The launch of the Academy represents the beginning of a broader effort to expand access to high-fidelity simulation training globally. Ongoing development is expected to focus on enhancing simulation capabilities, increasing accessibility, and supporting integration with existing healthcare training systems.
As extracorporeal therapies continue to evolve, the need for adaptable and realistic training solutions is expected to grow. The ECMO Simulation Academy is positioned to contribute to this area by combining technological innovation with structured education.
About Sagar Haval
Sagar Haval is the Founder and CEO of The Simulator Company Ltd and Innovatr Ltd, based in London. He is also the founder of the ECMO Simulation Academy. With a background in perfusion technology, he has played a role in expanding ECMO training and access across multiple regions. His work focuses on the development of simulation technologies designed to improve clinical preparedness in critical care settings.
Contact Info:
Name: Sagar Haval
Email: Send Email
Organization: The Simulator Company Ltd
Website: https://www.thesimulatorcompany.com/
Release ID: 89190024
Google
RSS