An interstitial fluid accumulation chamber is configured to be implanted in a mammal for use as a protective environment for transplanted cells. The interstitial fluid accumulation chamber includes opposed first and second members, a cell isolation chamber, and a plurality of spaced-apart members. The opposed first and second members are disposed in spaced-apart relation. The cell isolation chamber is disposed within and in-between the opposed first and second members. The cell isolation chamber includes a filter which contains pores sized to allow interstitial fluid to enter the cell isolation chamber while preventing cells within the cell isolation chamber from leaving the cell isolation chamber. The plurality of spaced-apart members are disposed within and between the opposed first and second members. The plurality of spaced-apart members form a tortuous path which is configured to prevent tissue from growing within the interstitial fluid accumulation chamber.
