An apparatus is provided in one example embodiment and includes a body section having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an inner edge circumferentially arranged around at least a portion of an open area. The apparatus also includes a tool extending from the body section into the open area for holding a graft vessel. The lower surface of the body section opposes a receiving vessel when the tool is positioned to transfer the graft vessel to the receiving vessel, such that the graft vessel is axially accessible through the open area to be attached to the receiving vessel. In more specific embodiments, the body section has first and second opposing ends defining a gap sized to permit the vessel to pass through.