Army Artificial Heart Medical Engineering Lab Research Prototype Rare Museum

Description

The Army Artificial Heart was part of a government (AMEDS / Harry Diamond Laboratories) program to promote the development of the artificial heart. This device is was made using a government grant and was to be used during bypass surgery and other heart procedures. The pump was developed by Walter Reed Army Institute and the design of this piece is mainly done by Dr. Kenneth E. Woodward. A very simple machine consisting of four parts: ventricles, two valves, and a flapper. This was quite an advancement in the development of the artificial heart. This device is quite rare and was only in development for two years 1963-65 although I have documentation on the valves that are signed and dated 1962. I believe this is an early prototype and as you can see from the video (posted below) I powered it up with a pneumatic driver so you can see the pumping action. Dr. Woodward went on to hold many patents on valves and other bio-medical devices that are associated with this device and heart research. The heart pump is Model 1 serial number 2. This is the only documentation of this device working in relation to the National Institute of Health Office of History Archives this example is an earlier device than they have on record. Comes with original wooden case. An exceptional work of science and art. Pump shown next to original photos taken at Harry Diamond Laboratories by Fuze Works dated and stamped 1962