Patent ID: 8348899

Claim:
A method of inserting a catheter into vasculature of a patient, comprising the steps of: providing a catheter having a first outer diameter extending proximally from a distal end thereof, and a proximal end having a second outer diameter larger than the first diameter, wherein the catheter has a tapered transition portion of limited length between said first outer diameter and said second outer diameter; providing a splittable introducer sheath and guide wire; inserting the introducer sheath into an incision in the vessel of a patient, and inserting the guide wire into a proximal sheath opening and through the introducer sheath and into the vessel at the vascular incision until a distal tip of the guidewire is at a desired location within the vessel; inserting the catheter over a proximal end of the guide wire and moving the catheter distally until a distal tip of the catheter has entered the vascular incision and the vessel along the guide wire; continuing to insert the catheter into the introducer sheath until the tapered transition portion of the catheter has entered the proximal sheath opening and has closed it off.