The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released. Proximal ends of the tubular portions are interconnected at a thick wall through the flexible portions. The invention also enables the allocation of a portion or all of a charge or loyalty points to different transaction accounts issued by different issuers, or to sub-accounts. The side pad assembly is operably secured to the body arch member by a fastening assembly that includes a flexible single band. The mounting member is movable perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the mounting pole, and the mounting member is capable of removeably retaining the mounting pole thereto to thereby releasably connect the base to the mounting bracket.