Abstract: A transparent vacuum cylinder has an open end adapted for placement in sealing engagement over the skin of a patient at a zone where venipuncture is to be performed, and a vacuum drawing syringe communicating therewith for establishing a vacuum serving to draw the skin and underlying vein partially into the vacuum chamber, where the vein will become engorged with blood to facilitate needle insertion. An intravenous needle holding and manipulating assembly coaxially arranged within the vacuum cylinder and hermetically sealed with respect thereto includes releaseable mechanism at the open, inner end of the vacuum cylinder for temporarily supporting an intravenous needle and manual grasping means at the other end to permit manipulation of the needle for insertion in the distended vein while under vacuum.