A DEVICE FOR DELIVERING A PRESELECTED MOLECULE INTO SYSTEMIC CIRCULATION

摘要

Disclosed is an implantable device for delivering a pre-selected molecule, f or example, a hormone, into a mammal's systemic circulation. The device compris es a blood permeable element that can be anchored to an inner wall of an intact blood vessel. The device also comrpises a capsule that is held in place with in the blood vessel by the anchored blood permeable element. The capsule enclos es viable cells which produce and secrete the pre-selected molecule into blood passing the capsule. The invention also provides a minimally invasive method for percutaneously introducing into a pre-selected blood vessel the device o f the invention.