In some embodiments of the invention, an access device can be provided. Advantageously, the access device can enhance the detection of the device's access into a desired body space. For example, the access device may have portions with enhanced visibility to a naked human eye, or an imaging device such as a medical imaging device. Where an imaging device is used, the imaging device can image the access device in a space that usually would not be visible to an operator, such as within a medical patient's body. Where the access device is directly viewed by a human eye, the access device can provide some form of feedback that allows an operator to more quickly discern if the access device has entered a desired space. For example, if the access device is to enter a blood-filled body space, the access device can allow blood to flow up and into the device, and the device can make the blood's presence more immediately apparent. One method of making the blood's (or another fluid) presence more immediately apparent is using a portion with contrasting optical properties.