A DEVICE FOR DELIVERING A PRESELECTED MOLECULE INTO SYSTEMIC CIRCULATION

摘要

Disclosed is an implantable device for delivering a pre-selected molecule, forexample, a hormone, into a mammal's systemic circulation. The device comprisesa blood permeable element that can be anchored to an inner wall of an intactblood vessel. The device also comrpises a capsule that is held in place withinthe blood vessel by the anchored blood permeable element. The capsule enclosesviable cells which produce and secrete the pre-selected molecule into bloodpassing the capsule. The invention also provides a minimally invasive methodfor percutaneously introducing into a pre-selected blood vessel the device ofthe invention.