Modular flying lead cable and methods for use with heart pump controllers

An external controller assembly for a blood pump, the external controller assembly comprising:

• an external controller via which power is supplied to the blood pump, wherein the external controller is configured to output a connection indication to a patient in which the blood pump is implanted;
• a percutaneous cable assembly connected to the blood pump and comprising a proximal connector, wherein the percutaneous cable assembly has a skin-interface segment adapted to extend through a skin of a patient;
• and
• an external cable assembly connected to the external controller and comprising a distal connector, wherein the distal connector and the proximal connector are adapted to be connected by the patient, and wherein the distal connector and the proximal connector are adapted to be disconnected by the patient,
• wherein the external cable assembly comprises a first connection lead and a second connection lead,
• wherein the second connection lead is electrically connected to the first connection lead while the distal connector is connected to the proximal connector,
• wherein the second connection lead is electrically disconnected from the first connection lead while the distal connector is not connected to the proximal connector,
• wherein the external controller is configured to detect whether the second connection lead is electrically connected to the first connection lead, and
• wherein the connection indication is indicative of whether the distal connector and the proximal connector are connected.