An introducer having a sheath, a guide rod, and at least two wire stabilization guides being elongated members, at least a portion of which extend from an end of the sheath. The portions of the wire stabilization guides include a retention device formed on the portion of the wire stabilization guides that extend from the end of the sheath. The retention device is adapted to selectively expand outwardly, stabilizing the sheath relative to a wound site. The guide rod may be provided with one or more blood marking lumen, having a distal port, for identifying the depth of insertion into an artery or vein based on the presence or absence of pressurized blood in the lumen.