A system and method for vessel catheterization is provided, having an introducer sheath and a catheter. The introducer sheath can include a handle and a sheath body extending from the handle. An access lumen is provided in the introducer sheath, and can include a tapered portion that is sized to receive a tapered outer surface of the catheter. The catheter may be a central venous catheter, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter, including a hub, a catheter body with at least one lumen extending distally from the hub, and at least one tube extending proximally from the hub. The introducer sheath is preferably a splittable sheath. The catheter can be inserted into the access lumen, and translated until confronting surfaces of the tapered outer surface of the catheter body and the tapered portion of the introducer sheath contact one another. This arrangement can inhibit buckling and/or kinking of the catheter during insertion, and improve initial catheter tip positioning.
