GUIDE ELEMENT Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: medical engineering; practising tunnel-type passages in loose tissues for subsequently drawing vascular prosthesis therethrough. SUBSTANCE: proposed guide element is made in form of flexible rod provided at one of its ends with handle and stop member, while its other end is formed as detachable head piece. Terminal portion of said head piece is hemispherically shaped, while base of terminal portion is formed as flange. Base of head piece carries plurality of shells capable of opening towards terminal portion of head piece. Frontal ends of shells coincide with flange edges and are provided with openings intended to coordinate movements of shells as they get closer to each other and as they open up. EFFECT: useful novel instrument for surgeon. 6 dwg