Patent ID: 8057680

Claim:
A method for improving passive diffusion of urea and other toxic substances during the hemodialysis through Iontophoresis utilizing a cartridge having first and second compartments separated by a semi-permeable membrane, the method comprising the steps of: a. connecting the body of the patient and the first compartment of the cartridge with a first conduit; b. connecting a source of hemodialysis solution and the second compartment of the cartridge with a second conduit; c. circulating blood/plasma through the first conduit from the patient and through the first compartment; d. continuously circulating the hemodialysis solution through the second conduit from the source of hemodialysis solution and through the second compartment; e. providing a positive electrode in the continuously circulating blood/plasma; f. providing a negative electrode in the continuously circulating hemodialysis solution; g. applying a constant electrical current at the electrodes, the current density being less than 0.5 mA/cm 2 ; and such that the charged urea and other toxic substances in the blood/plasma are transferred through the membrane into the solution by electrical forces and neutral or partially charged substances are also transferred to the solution by means of an electroosmotic flow obtained by the movement of the charged substances, whereby a higher flow rate is achieved compared to the passive diffusion.