Implantable semi-permeable bio-artificial organ - allowing biological signal and metabolic substance flow by pressure gradient

摘要

An implantable bio-artificial organ, made of semipermeable material in the form of one or more hollow fibres, consists of a sensor portion (A), which is implanted in an artery or vein, and a reactor portion (C), which is implanted in tissue, a vein or a body cavity and which has cells for secretion and/or treatment of biologically active substances, the sensor and reactor portions being connected (B), together to allow flow of biological signals and metabolic substances by means of a pressure gradient. The hollow fibre may be coated with (i) endothelial cells which are tolerated immunologically as native cells and which allow vascular implantation for several years; (ii) mesothelial cells which are immunologically tolerated and which allow vascular or body implantation for several years; or (iii) other cells which are immunologically tolerated. USE/ADVANTAGE - The organ may be used to replace the function of damaged endocrine glands (e.g. islets of Langerhans, parathyroid glands, pituitary glands). It allows biologically active substance secretion or treatment regulated by positive and negative feedback, independent of external energy sources and pumps.