Abstract: A thoracic catheter is provided with a distal end and a proximal end. The catheter is formed by a tube of flexible material having at least one radial opening at the distal end for draining a body cavity. The proximal end of the tube has a stiffened and sharpened portion whereby pressure applied to the stiffened proximal end from inside the body cavity leads the catheter outwardly through body tissue whereupon the sharpened stiffened proximal end can be severed and the catheter left in situ. The stiffened end is a rigid rod that extends outward of the proximal end of the tube and terminates in the tube short of a cut-off point whereby the tube is severed and the rod and severed proximal end portion is disposed of. The rigid rod may extend a substantial distance inside the tube and be shapable into a grippable shape to assist the user in maneuvering the rod and tube into and through a desired path in the surgical site.

Abstract: A catheter feeder is comprised of two parts that are secured together about a catheter as the catheter is being inserted into a vessel, such as a vein or artery in a cardiovascular system. The catheter feeder is provided with a finger-operated brake. The catheter feeder encircles a portion of the length of the catheter and has a protrusion adapted to be received by the open proximal end of an introducer cannula. Concentrically disposed about the catheter is a ferrule which has a distal portion also received within the catheter feeder. A sterile sleeve or sheath encloses the catheter and ferrule and has a collar engaging with the catheter feeder to hold the two parts thereof assembled. The brake engages the ferrule to compress one end thereof into a locking position about the catheter. When the brake is disengaged, the catheter can be manipulated through the catheter feeder and when the brake is engaged; the sterile sleeve or sheath is combed back relative to the catheter.