Cell carrier and cell carrier containment devices containing regenerative cells

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device comprising a cell carrier portion containing regenerative cells, e.g., stem and progenitor cells, and a cell carrier containment portion. The device is useful for the treatment of bone related disorders, including spinal fusion related disorders and long bone or flat bone related defects. The device may be used in conjunction with disclosed automated systems and methods for separating and concentrating regenerative cells.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of treating a patient, comprising:
 (a) providing a tissue removal system;   (b) removing adipose tissue from a patient using the tissue removal system, the adipose tissue having a concentration of stem cells;   (c) processing at least a part of the adipose tissue to obtain a concentration of stem cells other than the concentration of stem cells of the adipose tissue before processing; and   (d) administering the stem cells to a patient without removing the stem cells from the tissue removal system before being administered to the patient.