Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by lack of insulin due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Insulin replacement therapy, although suboptimal, is the standard treatment for type 1 diabetes. Cell encapsulation has the potential to provide a more ideal solution for treatment of endocrine disorders, including type 1 diabetes. To pursue this goal, a subcutaneously implantable dual-reservoir encapsulation system called NICHE has recently been developed. This platform integrates in situ prevascularization and the local administration of immunosuppressants, providing a conducive environment for long term endocrine cell transplantation and engraftment. The procedure used to load the pancreatic islets in the vascularized cell reservoir of NICHE consists in a transcutaneous injection through the silicone port of the device.