Pulsatile blood pump, model 1401
Date: 1965-1985
Inventory Number: 2009-1-0044
Classification: Blood Pump
Dimensions:33.2 × 21.1 × 53 cm (13 1/16 × 8 5/16 × 20 7/8 in.)
DescriptionThis instrument is brown, encased in metal, and trapezoidal in shape.
A pumping head protrudes from the front of the instrument. It consists of a cylinder which is attached to an internal piston, a transparent chamber, and two valves, one of which has an output nozzle (discharge) and the other of which has an input nozzle (suction). Attached to the input and output nozzles are red tubes held in place with metal rings.
On the right side of the instrument, there is a black knob which adjusts CC PER STROKE.
On the top of the device, there is a silver metal carrying handle, a large black knob, and a metal plate with an RPM dial. The RPM dial includes instructions for the mean rate of pulsation as well as the phase ratio.
On the back of the instrument, there is a silver plate with two silver knobs that control STROKES PER MINUTE: knob A for DIASTOLE strokes and knob B for SYSTOLE strokes. Below the knobs there are two black fuse knobs, a red indicator light, and a power switch. Underneath the plate is an input for the power cord.
Signedon front: PULSATILE/BLOOD / PUMP / MODEL 1401 / SER. NO. 120 / HARVARD APPARATUS CO. / DOVER, MASS. / THIS PUMP IS NOT EXPLOSION PROOF / FOR EXPERIMENTAL USE ONLY ON LABORATORY ANIMALS;
on back: PULSATILE BLOOD PUMP / MODEL 1401 / 115 V. 50-60~ / HARVARD APPARATUS CO. / DOVER, MASS.;
on top: HARVARD APPARATUS CO., INC. / DOVER, MASS., U.S.A.
Inscribedon top: the A and B from the RPM panel seem to have been added later;
red label on the back: APP. PHYSICS
FunctionThis instrument was used for experiments on animals. Given the size and pumping capabilities of this instrument, it was most likely used for experimental work on dogs and monkeys. It simulates the ventricular action of the heart and was designed to pump blood in a streamlined flow to avoid damaging blood cells.
A instrument manual for a similar pulsatile blood pump can be found here.
ProvenanceThis instrument was a gift from Reiner Beeuwkes, Professor emeritus, Harvard Medical School, Department of Physiology. Twenty years ago Prof. Beeuwkes rescued this instrument from Prof. McMahon's Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, Department of Physiology.