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Tunneler and method for implanting subcutaneous vascular access grafts

  • US 5,306,240 A
  • Filed: 01/21/1993
  • Issued: 04/26/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/21/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of implanting a subcutaneous graft for vascular access comprising the steps of:

  • forming a subcutaneous tunnel by pushing a tunnelling instrument, comprising a rod having a tunnelling tip at one end and a handle at its other end, through a first incision until said one end of the rod projects through a second incision remote from said first incision and said other end of the rod projects outwardly from the first incision;

    removing the handle from said other end of the rod and attaching said handle to said one end of the rod;

    attaching an end of the graft to the rod with said end of the graft being adjacent to said other end of the rod; and

    pulling the graft through said subcutaneous tunnel, by moving the rod through said tunnel, in the direction from said first incision toward said second incision.

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