Abstract: A catheter insertion device utilizing a catheter wound inside a two-piece generally cylindrical dispenser and extending outwardly into a slotted needle secured to an outlet from the dispenser; a stiffener comprising a closely-wound wire helix which surrounds a central straight wire is positioned inside the catheter; the dispenser is composed of two relatively rotatable parts, one a relatively flat base having a slot communicating with the slotted needle, the other a receptacle having an inwardly-facing wall which engages the catheter; the receptacle is releasably and rotatably held to the base by a central spindle extending upwardly from the base member through a hole in the top of the receptacle; a flexible feed guide extends from the base adjacent the dispenser outlet and guides the catheter toward the outlet; the guide is engageable with a stop to positively prevent further rotation of the receptacle at a predetermined point when the proximal end of the catheter nears the outlet; the dispenser spindle is s