Abstract: A method and apparatus for intravascular cannulation in which a distal assembly of intravascular catheter and needle improves simultaneous placement of the needle (inner metallic cannula) and the catheter (outer plastic cannula) in the vessel lumen. The distal elliptical aperture of the needle lumen is located in both the beveled and non-beveled parts of the needle to either side of the bevel take-off point. The distal bevel end is mostly non-cannulated and serves primarily to puncture the skin and blood vessel. The distal annular end of the catheter has a half oval opening in one side of the annular ring. The half oval opening of the catheter overlies and coincides with the oval non-beveled part of the distal aperture of the needle when assembled together. The distal end of the catheter has a rounded spur on the opposite side facing the half oval opening. When assembled together, the rounded spur of the catheter extends beyond the distal margin of the aperture in the needle on the side opposite to the bevel.