A tunneling device is provided for implanting a natural tissue vascular
graft in a body. The tunneling device may include a flexible sheath to
assist in locating the vascular graft in the body. According to one
example, a connector having a longitudinal coupler, such as a surgical
tie, may be used to locate the natural tissue graft within the sheath.
The natural tissue graft can be secured to the surgical tie when the
sheath is retracted. Before tunneling, the sheath can be extended to
cover the natural tissue graft to protect the natural tissue graft from
damage and aid in locating the natural tissue graft in the body. When the
natural tissue graft is positioned as desired in the body, the sheath is
removed.