Patent ID: 7390484

Claim:
A self-contained adipose-derived stem cell processing unit, comprising: a tissue collection container that is configured to receive unprocessed adipose tissue that is removed from a patient, wherein said tissue collection chamber is defined by a closed system; a first filter that is disposed within said tissue collection container, wherein said first filter is configured to retain a first component of said unprocessed adipose tissue and pass a second component of said unprocessed adipose tissue, such that said first filter separates said first component from said second component, and wherein said first component comprises a cell population that comprises adipose-derived stem cells and said second component comprises lipid, blood, mature adipocytes, and saline; a cell collection chamber, which is configured to receive said first component comprising a cell population that comprises adipose-derived stem cells from said tissue collection container, wherein said cell collection container is within said closed system; a conduit configured to allow passage of said first component comprising a cell population comprising adipose-derived stem cells from said tissue collection chamber to said cell collection container while maintaining a closed system; a cell concentrator disposed within said cell collection chamber, which is configured to facilitate the concentration of said first component comprising a cell population that comprises adipose-derived stem cells so as to obtain a concentrated population of cells that comprise adipose-derived stem cells, wherein said cell concentrator comprises a centrifuge or a spinning membrane filter; and an outlet configured to allow the aseptic removal of said concentrated population of cells that comprise adipose-derived stem cells.