Abstract: A device for stabilizing a blood vessel, in particular an artery, to facilitate the puncture of the vessel. The device includes a first member held in compressive contact against the skin by an elastic band encircling the patient's wrist. The device is oriented transversely with respect to the artery and has projecting leg members which engage the skin on opposite sides of the artery supplying pressure against the artery and tensioning the skin above the artery to stabilize the artery against its surrounding body tissues. A second member is provided to be captured between the first member and the wrist to cover and apply pressure to the arterial puncture to occlude the wound.