What is the purpose of an introducer sheath in interventional procedures?

The introducer sheath serves a crucial role in interventional procedures by facilitating the proper placement of catheters. It acts as a protective conduit through which the catheter can be inserted into the vascular system. This allows for easier advancement of various devices while minimizing trauma to the vessel walls. The introducer sheath also helps to maintain vascular access and provides a pathway for the delivery of various instruments or for performing procedures while ensuring that blood flow can continue unobstructed.

In contrast, the other options represent different aspects of patient care that are not directly related to the function of an introducer sheath. Administering anesthesia, monitoring heart rhythms, and collecting blood samples are important processes in a medical procedure but do not pertain to the insertion or utility of an introducer sheath itself. The primary function of the sheath is centered on optimal catheter placement, making it an essential tool in interventional cardiology and other similar procedures.