Abstract: An ergonomic insertion tool for insertion and retrieval of an arterial tamponade device which has an elongate connecting strut of resiliently deformable material and an arterial compressor at one end. The tool has a handle with a hand grip portion including an actuating trigger, and an elongate barrel. The barrel has a shaft and an outer sleeve telescopically engaged over the shaft. In a first position, a hooked distal end of the shaft protrudes from the sleeve to engage a bend between adjacent end portions of the connecting strut. On movement into a second position, the sleeve extends over the hooked end and compresses the deformable connecting strut into a deformed, U-shaped configuration to hold the device during insertion or retrieval. On movement back into the first position, the deformed device is released to spring out towards the expanded condition.