Apparatus for electrolyzing fluids

An apparatus for electrolyzing fluids comprising:

• container means for holding a fluid for in vivo treatment of a patient, the fluid having a saline concentration of at least about 0.15% and the container means comprising a container fabricated from a biologically Compatible material;
• power supply means for providing a source of electrical current;
• a first anode connected to the power supply means, the anode comprising a base, said base comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, titanium and niobium, said first anode further comprising an outer layer of platinum bonded to the base, the anode comprising a cylindrical shape and positioned in the container means such that the outer layer of the anode is immersed in any fluid held by the container means;
• a first cathode connected to the power supply means, the cathode comprising a metal and a substantially cylindrical shape and positioned concentrically in relation to the anode, the spacing between the cathode and the anode being not greater than about one-half inch and the voltage potential between the cathode and the anode being not greater than about thirty volts when fluids are being electrolyzed therein;
• and
• means, associated with the power supply, for adjusting the voltage applied between the first anode and the first cathode to a voltage which is less than about thirty volts.