What is the main purpose of the catheter sheath during vascular procedures?

The main purpose of the catheter sheath during vascular procedures is to create a secure entry point for the catheter while also minimizing the risk of bleeding at the puncture site. When a sheath is placed in the vascular system, it helps to maintain hemostasis by acting as a barrier that reduces the potential for blood loss following catheter insertion. It allows for the catheter to be advanced into the vessel without having to repeatedly puncture the vessel wall, thus enhancing the procedure's safety and efficiency.

While guiding the catheter into the vessel is an important function, it is primarily the catheter that achieves this once the sheath is in place. The options of administering medication directly and providing fluid drainage pertain to specific functions of certain devices, but they are not the primary role of the sheath itself. The sheath's design and purpose emphasize the importance of controlling entry and ensuring stability at the puncture site during interventions.