Method and apparatus for sealing implantable, membrane encapsulation devices

US5738673A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Brown University Research Foundation · US

Inventors

• John F. Mills · Apponaug, US
• Edward J. Doherty · Halifax, US
• Tyrone F. Hazlett · West Greenwich, US
• Keith E. Dionne · Rehoboth, US
• Nicholas F. Warner · Belmont, US
• Brian M. Cain · Everett, US
• David H. Rein · Cambridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 7, 1995
• Grant date: Apr 14, 1998
• Expiry date: Jun 7, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61K9/0024
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A sealed, implantable, encapsulation device (20) for diffusing a biologically active product or function to an individual which includes a substantially non-porous fitting (32) including an inner surface (33) defining an access port (34). A permselective, porous, membrane (21), having an interior surface (22), cooperates with the fitting inner surface (33) to form a storage cavity (23) therebetween. The membrane interior surface (22) is in substantially cell-tight dry sealing engagement with fitting (32) to seal cavity (23). Living cells (24) are disposed in the cavity (23) which are capable of secreting the biologically active product to an individual. The membrane (21) is of a material capable of permitting the passage of substances between the individual and cells required to provide the biological product or function. A plug member (35) is positioned in the access port (34) and seated in cell-tight sealing engagement with the fitting inner surface (33). A method for sealing the implantable encapsulation device (20) is also provided.