Abstract: A chest tube assembly is constructed and arranged for insertion into the pleural cavity and includes an elongated catheter having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A central lumen extends the length of the catheter and communicates with an open distal end. The catheter is of pre-formed shape such that a longitudinal axis of a distal segment of the distal portion forms an angle of approximately 90.degree. with a longitudinal axis of the proximal portion of the catheter. A trocar is constructed and arranged to be slidably disposed within the central lumen to selectively project from the open distal end of the catheter. The catheter is constructed and arranged such that (1) when the trocar is disposed in the central lumen, the catheter is straightened, thereby aligning the longitudinal axis of the distal segment with the longitudinal axis of the proximal portion, and (2) when the trocar is removed from the distal portion of the catheter, the catheter bends, returning to its pre-formed shape.