Bioelectrochemical Aspects of the Treatment of Tissue with Direct Current

Abstract

In the electrochemical treatment of tissue the main reactions at the anode are the formation of oxygen in addition to acidification due to liberated hydrogen ions, and formation of chlorine. At the cathode, hydrogen is formed and hydroxide ions are liberated. Mass balance calculations indicate that the formation of oxygen is the dominant anode reaction under the conditions prevailing in tissue. Calculations on the spreading of hydrogen ions and chlorine have been made by means of two different methods, respectively. One of the methods is based on mass balance, the so-called stoichiometric method, and the other one is based on the diffusion rates of species formed at the anode during electrolysis. It appears from this analysis that the liberated hydrogen ions determine the spreading of the zone of destruction.