A nerve block introducer for introducing a catheter and also administering an initial dose of local anesthetic, the introducer having an elongated body with a distal end and a proximal end, an inlet, and at least one discharge opening for the local anesthetic near the distal end. The introducer also includes a grasping member near the distal end of the elongated body, the grasping member operably coupled to a handle near the proximal end of the elongated body such that the grasping member can be used to releasably hold a catheter by operation of the handle. The catheter may thus be positioned and left in place following removal of the introducer.
