#$%^&*AU2012200018B920140313.pdf#####VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICE Abstract A vascular access system comprises a needle (104) having a distal tip and a 5 proximal fitting section (106) and a dilator (112) having a solid distal section connected to a solid proximal section and an annular recess (122) therebetween, the dilator (112) having a passageway so that the dilator is coaxially positioned around the needle. The needle (104) has at least one opening (120) positioned proximal to its distal tip so that, when the distal end (124) of the needle (104) enters a blood vessel, blood enters the 1o annular recess (122) to show the operator that access has been achieved. Optionally, a sheath having a distal tip, a proximal fitting section, and a lumen sufficient to coaxially fit over the dilator (112).
