Apparatus and methods for providing controlled pressure-flow pulses which purge a catheter system with turbulent flow flushing. Accomplishment of such controlled pressure-flow pulses is provided by a variety of inventive devices including a special plunger rod for a conventional syringe, other interactive parts for conventional syringes, an in-line catheter attachable device which automatically generates the controlled pressure-flow pulses and also single pulse, digitally operated devices.