Importance

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Abstract

An instrument for introducing a vascular aid into a vessel during surgery comprises two L-shaped elements, first releasable means for locking the two L-shaped elements so as to form a T-shaped element having a stem and two oppositely directed arms, and second releasable means for connecting said vascular aid along said arms. The free ends of the arms each have a notch and the second releasable means comprises a thread to be passed through each of said notches and around said vascular aid and the adjacent arm. As a result, the vascular aid may be introduced into the vessel through a longitudinal incision therein. The first and second releasable means may then be released and the two L-shaped elements may be retracted from the vessel. A method of introducing an elongate vascular aid into a vessel through a longitudinal incision made therein during surgery comprises the steps of inserting the vascular aid through the incision into the vessel using the stem as a holder, and releasing the vascular aid from the T-shaped element to allow the vascular aid to remain within the vessel. Finally, the L-shaped elements are released from each other and are removed separately from the vessel.

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First Claim