Method and apparatus for regulating pressure during medical procedures

A method and apparatus are provided for regulating pressure applied during a medical procedure, including an inelastic housing enclosing an inner volume, a housing having a first and second end; an aperture in the housing, the aperture for coupling to an element for applying a pressure during a medical procedure, the element having an inner volume communicated with the inner volume of the housing; and a pressure-operated valve coupled to the housing for providing access to the inner volume of the housing when pressure in the housing is above a threshold, whereby the valve releases pressure from within the inner volume of the housing. The method and apparatus are particularly useful in preparation of conduits such as veins and arteries during grafting procedures.