A structure for and method of manufacture of structures for implantation
within the tissue of a mammalian subject are disclosed. These structures
can be utilized in applications such as the delivery of therapeutic drugs
to the tissue of the subject or the sampling of biofluids for the
purposes of diagnosis. In one embodiment of the invention, a rigid
structure has defined ingrowth features on a surface intended to contact
tissue of the subject and defined passage features which provide a fluid
path from the surface intended to contact tissue to another surface. The
dimensions of these defined features vary based on the particular
application, as the ingrowth features are of a dimension and spacing to
promote ingrowth of the surrounding tissue, and the passage features are
of a dimension to inhibit the passage through the structure of cells from
the surrounding tissue.