Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides an implant device and an associated method for interconnecting human vessels rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The device comprises a first segment, a second segment, and a flow opening along the periphery of the two connected segments. The first and second segments are bendable for easy insertion into an incision made within each vessel. Upon release, each bendable segment subsequently conforms to the interior walls of a vessel to provide a sealing contact along the contact surface of the segment inserted within. The flow opening provides fluid interconnectivity between the vessels connected by the implant device. The device is configured so as to: (1) not impede flow inside a vessel; (2) prevent flow out of the openings in the vessels except for flow from one vessel to another via the connector opening; and (3) force the vessels toward each other at areas around the openings allowing the vessels to grow together so that flow in one vessel may flow to the other. The implant device may be inserted using special catheter designed specifically for the placement and release of the implant device within the vessels for interconnection thereof. The implant device is preferably provided in an assortment of sizes, shapes, configurations, etc. in order to interconnect vessels of various sizes, shapes and orientations. A system which includes a catheter having the implantable device loaded therein is also disclosed

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First Claim