The vessel protector: an instrument for operative microsurgery

Since the introduction of microsurgery and free flap transfers, the techniques of dissection and harvesting of flaps and their vascular pedicles have continuously advanced. As the vascular pedicles of free and pedicled flaps should be protected during their harvest or dissection, the usual trials to protect pedicle vessels depend ultimately on the surgeon and clinical experience. A new microsurgical instrument, the vessel protector, facilitating protection and holding of the vascular pedicle has been developed. Through experimental and clinical trials, the instrument has been demonstrated to protect the structures inside a distal coiled end while also holding them. This has several advantages over conventional dissection by jeweler's forceps and scissors.