A CATHETER INTRODUCTION SYRINGE

A catheter introduction syringe (10) for the introduction of a catheter or catheter guide wire (A) into a patient's body, the catheter introduction syringe (10) comprises a hollow syringe barrel (12) including a fluid chamber, a plunger (14) movable between an advanced and retracted position slidably disposed within the fluid chamber, a guide passage formed longitudinally through the hollow syringe barrel (12) and the plunger (14), the guide passage including an aperture (27) disposed within the fluid chamber and a valve assembly disposed in operative relationship relative to the guide passage to prevent passage of fluid through the guide passage during flushing or aspirating of the catheter introduction syringe (10) or during the introduction or withdrawal of a catheter or catheter guide wire (A) through the guide passage and to permit fluid to flow from the patient's body into the fluid chamber through the aperture (27), the guide passage being configured to maintain the catheter or catheter guide wire (A) in a substantially straight configuration while the catheter or catheter guide wire (A) is disposed within the guide passage.