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