VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICE AND METHOD

摘要

A vascular access device capable of provided entry into a blood vessel with minimal trauma and a minimal number of steps is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device utilizes 21-guage needle to install a guide wire that is 0.018 inch in diameter. A 5-8 French outer sheath and inner cannula are closely dimensioned to the guide wire to improve tracking along the guide wire. The inner cannula may also have an annular recess at a tapered distal end. An annular protrusion is then provided on the distal tip of the outer sheath. The annular protrusion seats in the annular recess to provide a smooth exterior surface.