Patent ID: 7514075

Claim:
An automated adipose-derived stem cell processing unit for isolating a concentrated population of cells comprising adipose-derived stem cells from adipose tissue obtained from a subject, wherein said adipose-derived stem cell processing unit is configured to maintain a closed system, comprising: a tissue collection chamber that is configured to receive a first portion of unprocessed adipose tissue from said subject while maintaining a closed system, wherein said tissue collection chamber comprises an aspiration port structured to be coupled to a suction device; a first filter that is disposed within said tissue collection chamber, 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 substantially 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 processing chamber that is joined to said tissue collection chamber by a conduit such that a closed system is maintained, wherein said processing chamber comprises a second filter, a centrifuge, or a spinning membrane filter; a programmable processing device capable of communication with said tissue collection chamber and said processing chamber, wherein said processing device operates at least one pump configured to use pressure to control ingress and egress of tissues through said automated adipose-derived stem cell processing unit; and an outlet wherein said outlet is configured to allow the aseptic removal of a concentrated population of cells comprising adipose-derived stem cells obtained from said processing chamber.