We often talk about the inside and use expressions such as the heart of the matter. A recent article in the New York Times August 10, 2010 : http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/10/health/10heart.html?emc=eta1 brought this aspect to a new dimension.
The story is about a patient and his "heart" (Ventricular Assist Device, VAD) outside the body. What is striking is the relationship between the connected "engine" and the brain of the patient. It has become completely interdependent with the whole body. While the brain generally exerts some control over the natural heart it is at the same time very much dependent on it for blood supply. In this story the man had an external pump that has its own control. Yet he(his brain) forgot his backup power supply / batteries etc. and he run out of "juice", created an emergency. Did his brain control the heart? Perhaps it was the other way around; the pump created a malfunction in the brain (malaise), or the patient was just plain forgetful.
The lesson for us VAD-less people: Be responsible and take care of ones' pump through continuous encouragement and gentle stress avoiding control. It will in turn assist the brain with all its power day and night. Never forget to recharge batteries!
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