Methods and devices for cellular transplantation

A device for implanting cells in a host body, comprising:

• a porous scaffold comprising an immunologically-compatible polymer mesh forming the walls of at least one chamber,
• wherein the chamber comprises an opening at either or both of a proximal end and a distal end of the chamber, wherein the proximal end and the distal end are separated by a lumen that is bounded by the walls, and wherein the porous scaffold has pores sized to facilitate growth of vascular and connective tissues around and through the walls of the at least one chamber;
• at least one removable, non-porous plug configured to be positioned within the lumen of the at least one chamber,
• wherein the plug extends along the lumen of the chamber;
• and
• at least one seal configured to enclose either or both the proximal end and the distal end of the chamber.