Flow control device, introducer and method of implanting

An implant for regulating fluid flow from an area on one side of a barrier tissue to an area on an opposite side of the barrier tissue in combination with a delivery device for implanting the implant;

• wherein the implant comprises:
• a tube comprising an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage extending between the inlet end and the outlet end for permitting fluid to flow through the tube passage;
• an outer flange located proximate the outlet end of the implant and a retention projection located proximate the inlet end of the implant, so that the implant engages the barrier tissue with the outer flange on an outlet side of the barrier tissue and the retention projection on an inlet side of the barrier tissue;
• and
• one or more flow controlling strands located within the tube passage, wherein initially the one or more flow controlling strands serve to partially or wholly obstruct flow through the tube passage and wherein at least one flow controlling strand may be displaced with respect to the tube passage to change the obstruction of flow through the tube passage;
• and
• wherein the delivery device includes means for preventing rotation of the implant with respect to the delivery device.

An implant for regulating fluid flow from an area on one side of a barrier tissue to an area on an opposite side of the barrier tissue in combination with a delivery device for implanting the implant;

• wherein the implant comprises:
• a tube comprising an inlet end, an outlet end, and a tube passage extending between the inlet end and the outlet end for permitting fluid to flow through the tube passage;
• an outer flange located proximate the outlet end of the implant and a retention projection located proximate the inlet end of the implant, so that the implant engages the barrier tissue with the outer flange on an outlet side of the barrier tissue and the retention projection on an inlet side of the barrier tissue;
• and
• means for temporarily obstructing, in whole or in part, fluid flow through the tube passage, wherein said means for temporarily obstructing fluid flow is adapted to remain. in whole or in part, within said tube passage for at least some period of time after the implant is implanted and the delivery device is withdrawn;
• and
• wherein the delivery device includes means for preventing rotation of the implant with respect to the delivery device.