A tubular introducer sheath is made of predominantly clear material, with a colored stripe that extends along the length of the tubular introducer sheath, and that preferably spirals along the length of the tubular introducer sheath around the longitudinal axis of the tubular introducer sheath. The colored stripe has a width that is sufficiently wide to be visible externally, and is sufficiently narrow that the clear area allows visual inspection through the tubular introducer sheath. The distal end portion of the tubular introducer sheath may also be tapered.
