Abstract: A pleural decompression catheter is provided for releasing entrapped air within a human body. The device comprises an elongated member axially insertable into a human body and having fluid passage means for establishing fluid communication from the exterior of the elongated member to one end of the member positioned exteriorly of the body. A one-way valve is coupled to the exteriorly extending end of the elongated member so that entrapped air within the body can flow through the passage means in the elongated member, through the one-way valve and exhaust exteriorly of the human body.