Implantable flow connector

A system for coupling a first space within a body of a patient with a second space within the body of the patient, the system comprising:

• a flow connector having a lumen for fluid flow therethrough;
• a first retention member having an opening to receive the flow connector;
• and
• a second retention member having a longitudinal axis and an opening to receive the flow connector, the second retention member having a first set of engaging members movable from a first position at a first angle to the longitudinal axis to a second position at a second angle to the longitudinal axis, the second retention member interlocking with the first retention member.

A method of implanting and securing an implantable flow connector in a body of a patient for providing communication of a first space within the body of the patient with a second space within the body of the patient, the method comprising:

• a) providing a flow connector having a lumen having a first orifice at a first portion and a second orifice at a second portion;
• b) providing a retention device having a proximal component and a distal component;
• c) inserting the proximal component into the first space within the body to engage the first space within the body;
• d) inserting the flow connector through an opening in the proximal component so the second orifice is in fluid communication with the first space within the body;
• placing the second space within the body over the distal component wither before or after step (c) or step (d), the distal component having inner engaging members positioned internal of the second space within the body and outer engaging members positioned external of the second space within the body;
• and
• connecting the proximal and distal components to thereby fluidly connect the second space within the body to the first space within the body via the flow connector.