Method and device for facilitating surgical access to a body area

An implant configured for implantation during a Fontan procedure, comprising:

• a vascular graft configured to separate cyanotic blood flow from the heart and route this blood flow directly to the lungs, the vascular graft including a first end for attachment to the inferior vena cava, a second end for attachment to a pulmonary artery and a wall defining an interior;
• a valve disposed in the wall, the valve including an elastomeric membrane barrier that is impermeable to fluids to prevent the communication of fluids though the valve, wherein the valve is configured to permit penetration of the elastomeric membrane barrier by a surgical instrument inserted through the valve from the interior of the vascular graft to enable access by the surgical instrument to the heart;
• and
• a marker configured to allow location of the valve to facilitate penetration of the surgical instrument through the elastomeric membrane barrier.

An implant for implanting in a body, comprising:

• a vascular graft having a generally elongated tubular shape and a wall defining an interior;
• a valve disposed in the wall and including an elastomeric membrane barrier that is impermeable to fluids to prevent the communication of fluids though the valve, the valve configured to permit penetration of the elastomeric membrane barrier by a surgical instrument inserted through the valve from the interior of the vascular graft to enable access by the surgical instrument to an area external to the vascular graft, wherein the elastomeric membrane barrier is configured to close upon withdrawal of the surgical instrument from the valve so that the elastomeric membrane barrier remains at least substantially impermeable to fluids after withdrawal of the surgical instrument to prevent the communication of fluids though the valve;
• and
• a marker configured to allow location of the valve to facilitate penetration of the surgical instrument through the elastomeric membrane barrier.