Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method of implanting and securing an implantable flow connector in a body of a patient for providing communication of a first space within the body of the patient with a second space within the body of the patient. The method includes providing a flow connector having a lumen having a first orifice and a second orifice, inserting a retention device into the first space within the body, subsequently inserting the flow connector through an opening in the retention device so the second portion of the flow connector extends into the first space within the body and placing the second space within the body over the retention device.

Abstract: An implantable flow connector for fluidically coupling a source tissue-enclosed body space with a destination element, comprising: a conduit having a lumen terminating at an orifice at a first end of the conduit implantable in the source body space through an opening formed in a tissue wall of the source body space, and a second end of the conduit implantable in the destination element through an opening in a surface of the destination element; and a circumferential flange, radially extending from the conduit proximate the conduit first end, configured to be implanted in the source body space adjacent an opening in the tissue wall of the source body space such that the conduit extends through the opening, the flange comprising one or more circumferentially adjacent sections at least one of which has a rigidity that decreases in a radially-increasing direction.

Abstract: An implantable flow connector for fluidically coupling a source tissue-enclosed body space with a destination element, comprising: a conduit having a lumen terminating at an orifice at a first end of the conduit implantable in the source body space through an opening formed in a tissue wall of the source body space, and a second end of the conduit implantable in the destination element through an opening in a surface of the destination element; and a circumferential flange, radially extending from the conduit proximate the conduit first end, configured to be implanted in the source body space adjacent an opening in the tissue wall of the source body space such that the conduit extends through the opening, the flange comprising one or more circumferentially adjacent sections at least one of which has a rigidity that decreases in a radially-increasing direction.

Abstract: A connector for fluidically connecting a graft to a patient's natural vessel to enable fluid to flow through the graft into the vessel. The connector comprises a main conduit having opposing ends each configured to be implanted in the vessel; and a branch conduit having a first end integral with the main conduit and a second end connectable to the graft, wherein the branch conduit extends at angle from the main conduit at a point between the opposing ends of the main conduit.

Abstract: An implantable flow connector for fluidically coupling a source tissue-enclosed body space with a destination element, comprising: a conduit having a lumen terminating at an orifice at a first end of the conduit implantable in the source body space through an opening formed in a tissue wall of the source body space, and a second end of the conduit implantable in the destination element through an opening in a surface of the destination element; and a circumferential flange, radially extending from the conduit proximate the conduit first end, configured to be implanted in the source body space adjacent an opening in the tissue wall of the source body space such that the conduit extends through the opening, the flange comprising one or more circumferentially adjacent sections at least one of which has a rigidity that decreases in a radially-increasing direction.

Abstract: An implantable flow connector for fluidically coupling a source tissue-enclosed body space with a destination element, comprising: a conduit having a lumen terminating at an orifice at a first end of the conduit implantable in the source body space through an opening formed in a tissue wall of the source body space, and a second end of the conduit implantable in the destination element through an opening in a surface of the destination element; and a circumferential flange, radially extending from the conduit proximate the conduit first end, configured to be implanted in the source body space adjacent an opening in the tissue wall of the source body space such that the conduit extends through the opening, the flange comprising one or more circumferentially adjacent sections at least one of which has a rigidity that decreases in a radially-increasing direction.