Implantable flow connector

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:

• providing a flow connector having a longitudinally extending wall forming a conduit having a longitudinally extending lumen within the longitudinally extending wall and having a first orifice at a distal portion and a second orifice at a proximal portion for inflow and outflow between the orifices;
• providing a retention device having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the retention device having a first set of engaging elements with penetrating tips;
• inserting a section of the retention device into the first space within the body;
• subsequently inserting the flow connector through an opening in the retention device so the proximal portion of the flow connector extends into the first space within the body;
• and
• placing the second space within the body over the retention device so the second space within the body overlaps and extends along the longitudinally extending wall of the flow connector and flow continues through the lumen of the conduit of the flow connector.