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Artificial endocrine gland containing hormone-producing cells

  • US 4,378,016 A
  • Filed: 07/15/1981
  • Issued: 03/29/1983
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/15/1981
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An implantable device for supplying a hormone to a patient comprising:

  • (a) a housing constituted by a sack and a hollow stem;

    the sack having at least one access opening and being constructed of a membrane compatible with body tissue and permeable to body fluid;

    the hollow stem having a distal end defining an extracorporeal segment and a proximal end defining a subcutaneous segment, the stem being compatible with body tissue and impermeable to body fluids;

    the sack access opening being sealingly coupled with the proximal end of the stem and together with the stem defining an access passageway to the sack;

    (b) a replaceable envelope containing live hormone-producing cells, the envelope being permeable to nutrients and a hormone;

    the envelope being removably located within the sack and adapted to pass through the stem; and

    (c) seal means for the access passageway.

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