Abstract: An elongated medical channel assembly (21, 121) including an indwelling channel-defining member (22, 122), an external channel-defining member (26, 126) and a coupling assembly (25, 125) coupling the channel-defining members together at a position along the length thereof substantially at an exit site (27, 127) of the channel assembly from a patient. The coupling assembly (25, 125) further is formed for uncoupling of the external member (26, 126) with a disconnect force less than the force required to dislodge the indwelling member (22, 122) from an indwelling position in the patient. The medical channel assembly can take the form of a tube assembly (21) having a coupling (25) formed to provide for multi-directional release, for example, as is provided by a ball (42) and socket (41) connection. Alternatively, a signal transmitting assembly (121) can be provided with a releasable coupling (125) can be provided with a releasable coupling (125) at the exit site (127).