Apparatus to achieve percutaneous entry to a blood vessel includes several coacting combinations of coacting instruments, some capable of independent action, as well as enabling clear visualisation of the operative area, precise location of the operative site, capture and immobilization of the vessel, and guidance in the positioning and insertion of the puncturing needle. Additionally, apparatus is provided for the placement of a sponge directly on the entry wound in the vessel to reduce bleeding. The present invention also sets forth a method for vascular puncture and more particularly for the arterial puncture procedure. The line of maximal pulsation is ascertained, and a small incision in the skin is made. A dissecting-retracting tool (100) is then employed to create a skin-to-vessel channel. The vessel is inspected through the spread fingers. A tubular access conduit (300), mounted on an obturator/carrier (400), is inserted until it rest upon the vessel. The dissector-retractor (100) is removed and the obturator (400) is withdrawn from the conduit (300) leaving the conduit (300) in place. A needle guide (312) is then passed down inside the conduit (300) to contact the vessel. A needle is advanced to the anterior wall of the artery to enter the lumen. A sponge can be positioned with the conduit pressed against the puncture site to reduce bleeding.L"invention concerne un appareil (100) permettant d"effectuer une entrée percutanée dans un vaisseau sanguin, et comprenant plusieurs combinaisons parallèles d"instruments de coaction, certains d"entre eux pouvant agir de façon indépendante. L"appareil permet également de visualiser clairement la zone d"opération, de localiser précisément le site de l"opération, de capturer et d"immobiliser le vaisseau, et sert de guide dans le positionnement et l"insertion de l"aiguille de ponction. L"appareil (100) permet, de plus, de placer une éponge (700) directement sur la plaie de l"entrée dans le vaisseau afin de réduire le saign
