The Electrodeacidification of Blood

Abstract

The design parameters for blood electrodeacidification were determined experimentally with due consideration of the physical properties of the diffusion of hydrogen through palladium (Pd) membrane electrodes, along with the physiological aspects of hemodialysis and electrohemodialysis for acidosis. Several models of an electrodeacidifier for extracorporeally circulating blood were built. Initial designs showed difficulties with clotting of heparinized blood and excessive hemolysis, but no evidence of membrane fouling. In subsequent experiments the clotting problem was eliminated by the interposition of anion exchange membranes between the blood and the Pd black surface. The hemolysis rate was found to vary with three main factors: the current density, the velocity of the blood flow along the blood/cathode membrane interface, and the periodic changing of the blood flow (pulsations). The hydroxyl concentration polarization layer was considered to be the primary hemolyzing influence. By modifying the magnitudes of these factors, the hemolysis rate was progressively decreased. Finally, the feasibility of deacidifying blood electrically, at clinically significant rates, with negligible hemolysis was demonstrated (in vitro). Copyright © 1973 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.