An intravenous catheter placement system in which a puncture needle and insertion catheter are disposed in guide passages formed in an easily handled blade-like body member. The body member is provided with guide track means cooperable with the needle in a manner to permit complete withdrawal and disposal of the needle after venipuncture to leave only the pliable insertion catheter remaining in the patient's vein. The needle may be either slotted to allow insertion of the catheter within the needle or provided with a pliable external sheath insertable with the needle and remaining after needle withdrawal to guide a small diameter insertion catheter for threading into the punctured vein. A catheter clamping means is provided to releasably retain the catheter against longitudinal movement in the body member which may be fixed to the exterior of the patient's body by a strap connected to the body or by taping.
