Patent ID: 9314600
Filing Date: 2016-04-19
CPC Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Claim Text:
1. A method for delivering an implantable flow connector to a first space within the body of a patient to couple the first space within the body to a second space within the body, the flow connector having a conduit with a lumen terminating at an orifice at opposing first and second ends of the conduit, wherein a second end of the conduit is configured to be implanted in the second space within the body, the method comprising the steps of: providing a delivery member having a lumen and a receiving area at a proximal portion of the delivery member remaining outside the body of the patient; placing the flow connector within the receiving area; moving a deforming member from a first position to a second position to press the conduit portion of the flow connector to deform the flow connector to reduce its profile at the proximal portion of the delivery member; and delivering the flow connector through the lumen of the delivery member into the first body space, wherein the flow connector includes a flange radially extending from the conduit, and the step of delivering the implant to the first body space places the flange within the first body space, and the step of moving the deforming member to the second position causes a folding block of the deforming member to move closer toward a longitudinal axis of the delivery member to press the conduit of the flow connector without contact with the flange to thereby fold the conduit into a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration.