abstract |
This invention is methods and apparatus for connecting two anatomical passageways, such as blood vessels, in side-to-side fashion. Openings are formed in the sidewalls of the passageways, and a connector apparatus (10) of the present invention is implanted within such openings, and extends between the passageways or blood vessels (BV1, BV2) so as to connect the passageways or blood vessels (BV1, BV2) such that the openings are held in direct alignment with one another, thereby allowing body fluids to pass from one passageway into the other. |