Harvard Apparatus Heat Therapy Pump

Overview

The Harvard Apparatus Heat Therapy Pump is a precision-engineered recirculating water temperature control system designed specifically for thermoregulatory support during preclinical surgical and physiological experiments involving small to medium-sized laboratory animals. Operating on the principle of forced-convection thermal transfer, the pump delivers a continuous, laminar flow of temperature-stabilized water through externally connected therapeutic pads—such as circulating-water heating blankets or surface-contact thermal mats—to maintain normothermia or deliver controlled hyperthermic therapy. Its compact footprint, integrated mobility base with four swivel casters and removable transport basket, and modular hose interface make it suitable for dynamic use across multiple animal preparation stations, intraoperative suites, and recovery bays within AAALAC-accredited vivariums and GLP-compliant research laboratories.

Key Features

• Stable thermal output with ±2 °F (±1.1 °C) accuracy across the full operating range (85–107 °F / 29.4–41.7 °C), validated per ASTM E2251-22 for liquid temperature control devices used in biomedical applications.
• Recirculating flow rate of 9–14 gallons per hour (34–53 L/hr), optimized to ensure uniform thermal distribution across standard-sized animal warming pads without inducing turbulent pressure fluctuations.
• Modular connection architecture supporting both Click-Tight polymer quick-disconnect couplings and Colder metal cold-end fittings—enabling rapid, leak-resistant hose attachment compatible with ISO 8536-4 sterile fluid line standards.
• Compact form factor (8.5 × 5.6 × 6.25 in / 20.6 × 14.3 × 16.2 cm) and low mass (5.2 lb / 2.6 kg) facilitate benchtop deployment, mobile cart integration, or under-table mounting in space-constrained surgical environments.
• Dual-voltage compatibility (120 VAC, 60 Hz standard; optional 220 VAC, 50 Hz configuration) ensures seamless operation in international research facilities adhering to IEC 61000-6-3 electromagnetic compatibility requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Heat Therapy Pump is intended for use with Harvard Apparatus-certified temperature-controlled therapeutic pads—including the TC-1000 Circulating-Water Blanket and HT-200 Hyperthermia Mat—as well as third-party ISO 13485-manufactured thermal interfaces compliant with EN 60601-2-41 (particular requirements for medical electrical equipment used in patient warming). It meets UL 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory equipment and supports institutional compliance with NIH OLAW Policy on humane care and use of laboratory animals (PHS Policy), USDA Animal Welfare Regulations (9 CFR Part 3), and EU Directive 2010/63/EU. No direct animal contact occurs with the pump unit; all fluid pathways are isolated from electrical components per IP22 ingress protection rating.

Software & Data Management

While the Heat Therapy Pump operates as a standalone analog-controlled device without embedded digital firmware or network connectivity, its thermal stability profile is fully documentable via external data loggers interfaced with calibrated PT100 or thermistor probes placed at the pad inlet/outlet. When deployed within FDA-regulated preclinical studies, users may integrate the system into electronic lab notebook (ELN) workflows using timestamped manual logs or analog-to-digital converter (ADC) inputs traceable to NIST-traceable reference standards. The pump’s mechanical design supports audit readiness for GLP/GCP environments where thermal consistency records must be retained per 21 CFR Part 58.130(c) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7.

Applications

• Maintaining core body temperature in rodents, rabbits, and non-human primates during terminal or survival surgical procedures under anesthesia.
• Supporting longitudinal thermoregulatory studies in models of sepsis, hypothermia, or metabolic dysfunction where precise external thermal modulation is required.
• Enabling controlled local hyperthermia protocols in oncology research, including combination therapies with radiofrequency ablation or photothermal agents.
• Providing stable thermal conditioning during electrophysiological recordings, fMRI-compatible rodent setups, or behavioral assays sensitive to ambient thermal drift.
• Facilitating standardized post-operative recovery protocols in contract research organizations (CROs) performing IND-enabling toxicology studies.

FAQ

Is the Heat Therapy Pump compatible with non-Harvard Apparatus warming pads?
Yes—provided the pad accepts standard ¼” (6.35 mm) OD tubing and operates within the pump’s flow and temperature specifications. Users must verify material compatibility (e.g., silicone vs. PVC) and pressure tolerance (max 15 psi) prior to integration.
Can this pump be used in sterile surgical fields?
No—the pump itself is not sterilizable and must remain outside the sterile field. Only the disposable, autoclavable or single-use tubing and pad assemblies enter the surgical zone.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term calibration stability?
Annual verification of temperature accuracy using a NIST-traceable dry-block calibrator or precision bath is recommended. Visual inspection of hose integrity, connector seals, and impeller function should occur before each experimental session.
Does the system support programmable temperature ramping?
No—temperature setpoint adjustment is manual via front-panel dial. For automated thermal profiles, integration with an external PID controller or programmable thermostat is required.
Is CE marking available for European Union deployment?
Yes—models configured for 220 VAC, 50 Hz input carry CE marking per Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD), accompanied by Declaration of Conformity documentation supplied with shipment.