Patent ID: 6616675
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for connecting a first opening formed in a first anatomical structure to a second opening formed in a second anatomical structure, said first anatomical structure having a wall and an inner space defined at least in part by an inner surface of the first anatomical structure's wall and said second anatomical structure having a wall and an inner space defined at least in part by an inner surface of the second anatomical structure's wall, said apparatus being initially disposable in radially collapsed configuration wherein it may be transluminally delivered to an intended implantation site and subsequently transitionable to a radially expanded configuration, said apparatus being formed of plastic and, when implanted in its radially expanded configuration, comprising:a) a first engagement portion which engages the wall of the first anatomical structure adjacent to the perimeter of the first opening formed therein; b) a second engagement portion which engages the wall of the second anatomical structure adjacent to the perimeter of the second opening formed therein; and, c) a tube connecting the first engagement portion to the second engagement portion, said tube being configured to define a flow channel through which fluid may flow from the inner space of the first anatomical structure, through the first opening, through the second opening and into the inner space of the second anatomical structure, wherein said first and second engagement portions comprise projections extending laterally outward from opposite ends of the tube.