Which instrument is used to thread a vascular graft from one incision to another?

The tunneler is specifically designed to facilitate the placement of vascular grafts between incisions. This instrument functions by allowing the surgeon to create a subcutaneous tunnel through which the graft can be passed, minimizing tissue trauma and helping to ensure proper alignment and positioning of the graft in the vascular system.

The use of a tunneler improves the efficiency of graft placement during vascular surgeries, as it allows for controlled movement and positioning of the graft material while reducing the risk of complications associated with more invasive techniques. The design of the tunneler helps navigate the vascular anatomy safely.

Other instruments, while useful in surgical procedures, do not serve this specific purpose. For example, hemostats are primarily used to clamp blood vessels to control bleeding, DeBakey vascular forceps are utilized for handling delicate vascular tissues, and Randall Stone forceps are designed for grasping stones or other objects in the urinary tract. Therefore, the tunneler is the appropriate choice for the task of threading a vascular graft effectively.