IMPLANTABLE FLOW CONNECTOR
A system for coupling a first space within the body of a patient with a second space within the body of the patient including a flow connector insertable into the first and second spaces within the body, the flow connector having a conduit having a lumen having a first orifice at a first portion of the conduit and a second orifice at a second portion of the conduit, the conduit providing communication between the first and second spaces within the body. A retention device retains the conduit with respect to the first space within the body and is engageable with the first space within the body.
1 - 11 . (canceled)
12 . An implantable flow connector implantable into a body of a patient for fluidly coupling a first space within the body of the patient with a second space within the body of the patient, the implantable flow connector comprising:
a conduit having a lumen having a first orifice at a first portion of the conduit and a second orifice at a second portion of the conduit, the conduit configured to be implanted into the second space within the body to provide fluid flow between the first and second spaces within the body; and
a retention portion having radially extending wall engaging portions, the retention portion engageable with the first and second spaces within the body.
13 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion is embedded in a wall of the conduit.
14 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion includes a plurality of struts with radially extending penetrating elements.
15 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , further comprising a flange extending radially from the conduit, the flange positionable within the first space within the body.
16 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion is positionable between the conduit and the second space within the body.
22 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the flow connector includes a polymer material and the retention portion includes a metal material encapsulated within the polymer material.
23 . The implantable flow connector of claim 22 , wherein the retention portion and the conduit portion are integrally formed.
24 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion includes a first plurality of penetrating members engageable with the first space within the body.
25 . The implantable flow connector of claim 24 , wherein the retention portion includes a second plurality of penetrating members engageable with the second space within the body.
26 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion includes a second plurality of penetrating members engageable with the second space within the body.
27 . The implantable flow connector of claim 24 , wherein the first plurality of penetrating members include hooks curving to extend toward the second space within the body.
28 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion is positioned external of the conduit and the conduit applies a radially outward force against the retention portion.
29 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion includes a first component and a second component, the first and second components interlockable.
30 . The implantable flow connector of claim 29 , wherein the first and second components releasably interlock.
31 . The implantable flow connector of claim 29 , wherein the first component is engageable with the first space within the body and the second component is engageable with the second space within the body.
32 . The implantable flow connector of claim 29 , wherein the second component is slidable in relation to the first component to interlock with the first component.
33 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion provides a sutureless coupling of the first and second spaces within the body.
34 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion is compressible to a reduced profile insertion position.
35 . The implantable flow connector of claim 12 , wherein the retention portion is formed from a tube with cutouts to form engaging members to engage one or both of the first and second spaces within the body.