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Vascular catheter introducers designed for use in the percutaneous introduction into the peripheral vasculature (typically the basilic or cephalic veins) of central venous catheters; the distal tip of the catheter is usually advanced until reaching the superior or inferior vena cava or the pulmonary artery. These introducers consist of an assembly of devices that may include some or all of the following components: a stylet or trocar, a dilator, a guidewire, and a sheath. All components of the introducers are usually taken out after the catheter insertion into the vasculature leaving only the sheath for catheter introduction through it. Some introducer sheaths are peelable for easy discard after the catheter is in place; other sheaths may be dwelling in the vessel for a pre-established maximum time. Peripherally inserted central venous catheter introducers using conventional techniques (i.e., peel-off cannula and stylet) and the Seldinger technique are available. Also available are dedicated catheter introducers which include particular characteristics such as echogenic needles that permit ultrasound guidance during insertion and/or provide needlestick protection.
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