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Method and apparatus for sealing implantable membrane encapsulation devices

  • US 6,123,700 A
  • Filed: 01/30/1998
  • Issued: 09/26/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/23/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A sealed, implantable, hollow membrane encapsulation device for providing a biologically active product or function to an individual, said encapsulation device comprising:

  • (a) a permselective, hollow, porous membrane shaped so as to form a cell-impervious encapsulating enclosure including;

    (1) an exterior surface,(2) an interior surface, said interior surface defining a storage cavity, and(3) at least one opening, said at least one opening providing open communication between said storage cavity and the exterior of said enclosure;

    (b) a non-permeable fitting disposed within or about said at least one opening so as to make substantially cell-tight dry sealing engagement between said fitting and said enclosure, said fitting(1) comprising a thermoplastic tubular fitting member including an inwardly facing surface defining an open bore extending therethrough and(2) dimensioned so as to permit introduction of living cells into said storage cavity;

    (c) living cells disposed in said cavity capable of secreting a biologically active product or of providing a selected biological function to an individual, said membrane permitting passage therethrough of substances secreted by said cells; and

    (d) a non-permeable, non-porous cell-tight plug at a distal end of said thermoplastic tubular fitting member, wherein said plug is formed by pinching and fusing the sides of said thermoplastic tubular fitting member together at a distal end of said member to form a cell-tight seal of said open bore.

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