a shunt system for controlling the flow of fluid from one region of a patient to a different region of the patient &# 39 ; s body . the shunt system includes endoscopic placement features so that the system can be placed endoscopically in a minimally invasive surgery . also provided is a single fluid flow control device having flow control characteristics previously obtainable only by connecting in series two or more shunt system components . in addition , the shunt system includes a selectively engageable locking mechanism that allows the system to be assembled quickly and easily , without the need for sutures or adhesives . the present assembly process minimizes the possibility of any unintended fluid leakage from the device .