Importance

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Abstract

A method is provided for closing a containment device that involves wetting at least a portion of a permeable polymeric membrane such as tubular membrane with a liquid such as a cell suspension or drug formulation the device is being filled with, and applying heat to at least a portion of a wetted thermoplastic polymer in association with the membrane to form a 'wet seal' closure. The thermoplastic polymer melts at a lower temperature than the polymeric membrane and the melted polymer integrates with the membrane by flowing along surfaces and into available interstices of the membrane to form a cell-tight closure when the polymer cools below its melt temperature. The application of heat may be accompanied by slight pressure, and a heat sink may be applied to limit heat transfer beyond the closure region to the membrane. In association with melting of the polymer, the membrane/thermoplastic polymer combination may be twisted and/or elongated, and twisting may form a separation region which can be cut to form first and second devices. The membrane and thermoplastic polymer may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene and fluorinated ethylene propylene, respectively. The containment device may be directly implanted into a recipient in need of a treatment provided by contents of the device.

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First Claim