US Patent 11963862 Cell encapsulation device including a porous tube

A cell encapsulation device for implantation in a body includes one or more cell encapsulation layers, each of the one or more cell encapsulation layers including at least one membrane and a guide tube. The at least one membrane is semipermeable. The least one membrane forms a chamber for encapsulating cells and at least one access port through the at least one membrane. The guide tube extends into the chamber from the at least one access port. The guide tube includes a porous wall along at least a portion of its length. The guide tube is capable of guiding movement of a catheter within the chamber.