A biocompatible implantable portal is provided that has a wall defining a
communicative passage through an interior bore. The exterior of the
portal has a neck region adapted to promote autologous cell growth on the
neck region. A series of channels are provided on the exterior neck
region to facilitate autologous cell growth while disfavoring fluid
pooling and bacterial growth. Typical channel widths are from 20 to 300
microns, with adjacent channels being separated by plateaus having a
width of between 0 and 600 microns. Providing the portal exterior neck
region with a texture varying on a nanometer length scale facilitates
autologous cell growth. Applying a coating such as a tissue scaffolding
matrix to the neck region prior to implantation also facilitates cell
growth. A coupling or a manifold encompassing the neck region facilitates
the draw of vacuum and/or mechanical protection for the growing cells.