Filter assembly with microfabricated filter element

摘要

An implant ( 98 ) having an implant filter assembly ( 92 ) is disclosed. This implant filter housing ( 92 ) is disposed within a passageway ( 102 ) of an implant housing ( 100 ). One configuration for the implant filter assembly ( 92 ) is in the form of a filter assembly ( 26 ). The filter assembly ( 26 ) includes a LIGA filter element ( 22 ) that is disposed between adjacent ends of a first inner housing ( 34 ) and a second inner housing ( 38 ). These housings ( 34, 38 ) are at least partially disposed within an outer housing ( 30 ) such that the outer housing ( 30 ) is disposed about the LIGA filter element ( 22 ). Preferably, at least the outer housing ( 30 ) is more rigid than the implant housing ( 100 ), at least at a time when the implant ( 98 ) is installed in the target biological material.