Abstract: A transcutaneous access device for permanent placement in blood vessels includes a unitarily constructed, substantially U-shaped tubular member that includes a first leg having means for connecting the transcutaneous access device to external equipment, a mid-portion having at least one aperture, and a second leg terminating in a needle barb. The angular orientation of the device is such that the planes that include the first leg and the second leg that are orthogonal to the mid-portion are substantially parallel, and the second leg is at an acute angle with respect to the plane that includes the mid-portion and said first leg.