Abstract: A catheter system may include a catheter assembly and a needle assembly. The catheter assembly may include a catheter hub and a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the catheter hub. The catheter assembly may include a cover coupled to a proximal portion of the catheter hub. The cover may be configured to reduce contact with the catheter assembly during initial insertion of the catheter assembly into vasculature of a patient and/or threading the catheter, which may reduce a risk of bacterial contamination of the catheter. The needle assembly may include an introducer needle, a housing, and a needle hub disposed within the housing. The housing may include a button. A proximal end of the introducer needle may be secured within the needle hub. In response to activation of the button, the needle hub and the introducer needle may move proximally within the housing.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter assembly that includes a catheter tube and an introducer needle that is disposed, at least in part, within the catheter tube when the introducer needle is in a ready for use position. The introducer needle includes a lateral surface that defines a relief that is positioned under the distal end of the catheter tube when the introducer is in the ready for use position to provide a flow path into a flash indication space.

Abstract: A medical device is provided that is configured to treat and drain an abscess. The device comprises a catheter having an expandable distal end including a flexible absorbent material. The catheter includes an input port configured to receiving fluid from a syringe, whereby the fluid expands distal end when injected. Upon expansion of the distal end, the absorbent material expands into the abscess cavity.

Abstract: An introducer assembly for introducing a catheter into a patient, includes a sheath having a distal end and a proximal end with a hollow lumen extending between the distal end and proximal end. The assembly also includes a coupler having a distal end operatively coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, the coupler having an internal passage in fluid communication with the hollow lumen. The assembly further includes a connector having a distal end operatively coupled to the coupler proximate the distal end of the coupler.

Abstract: An introducer assembly for introducing a catheter into a patient, includes a sheath having a distal end and a proximal end with a hollow lumen extending between the distal end and proximal end. The assembly also includes a coupler having a distal end operatively coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, the coupler having an internal passage in fluid communication with the hollow lumen. The assembly further includes a connector having a distal end operatively coupled to the coupler proximate the distal end of the coupler.

Abstract: An insertion sheath and related methods include a tube member and a shape memory feature. The tube member defines an insertion lumen. The shape memory feature is positioned at a distal end portion of the tube member. The shape memory feature provides a monofold shape in the tube member when in a first state, and a radially expanded shape in the tube member in a second state upon application of an expansion force. The shape memory feature returns the monofold shape after removal of the expansion force. The insertion sheath may function as an access to closure sheath that is suitable for use as a procedural insertion sheath when treating the patient and a closure insertion sheath when sealing closed the vascular puncture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the prevention of air embolisms during a catheterization procedure. The device includes a bulb element configured to secure to a sheath assembly. The bulb element includes a flexible wall, including a proximal section and a distal section, and an interior chamber in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source. The proximal section of the bulb element includes a proximal hub, and the distal section of the bulb element includes a distal hub. The bulb element is collapsible, under the action of an external force, from a first, relaxed state in which the interior chamber has a first volume, to a second, collapsed state in which the interior chamber has a second volume less than the first volume, and wherein the bulb element is configured to assume its first, relaxed state in the absence of the external force.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of an elongate member into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a protective sheath configured to at least substantially surround an elongate member; and slidable member configured to travel along the protective sheath, the slidable member operatively coupled to the elongate member; wherein the elongate member is insertable into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter by moving the slidable member along at least a part of the length of the protective sheath.

Abstract: A device for inserting a catheter into a blood vessel that uses fluid flow to aid the insertion of the catheter into a patient is described herein. The device includes a catheter retention device that houses a catheter and is configured to attach to an angiocatheter or other blood vessel access device. The catheter retention device receives fluid and guides the catheter into the blood vessel using the flow of fluid to carry the catheter into the blood vessel.

Abstract: An improved catheter attachment apparatus is provided for use in reducing infections associated with a percutaneous medical device, such as a catheter. Such a barrier system can include: a barrier device having a catheter-receiving surface or enclosed tube; and an adhesive composition configured for adhering to skin. The improved catheter attachment apparatus forms a physical barrier against microbes at or adjacent to an incision in the skin where the catheter is percutaneously inserted through the skin, yet permits ready access by medical personnel for readjusting the catheter and/or any sutures used therewith.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for transporting fluid between a body and an external source. More particularly, the methods and devices provided can be used to transport blood from a body. In one exemplary embodiment, a system is provided for transporting fluid between a body and an external source. The system can include a collection catheter that is sized to fit inside a catheter that is placed in the body and configured to have its distal end extend beyond a distal end of the catheter that is placed in the body. Various methods for transporting fluid from the body to an external source are also provided.

Abstract: A medication administering device has mounted thereto a preparation syringe containing a preparation and comprises a substantially cylindrical syringe cover that supports the preparation syringe on the inner peripheral face side, a piston that presses on the rear end of the preparation syringe, and a piston case that surrounds the piston, that guides the outer peripheral face of the syringe cover in the direction of the piston on the substantially cylindrical inner peripheral face side, and that is mounted in a state in which the syringe cover is removable. The medication administering device comprises a syringe holder that guides the outer peripheral face of the preparation syringe in the direction of the piston on the cylindrical inner peripheral face side, and whose outer peripheral face is removably fitted together with the inner peripheral face of the syringe cover.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a safety needle assembly that includes a syringe and a safety mechanism. The safety mechanism includes a housing defining an internal cavity, a shield member at least partially disposed within the internal cavity, and first and second locking members that are configured to selectively engage and maintain the shield member in one or more predetermined positions. The locking members are movable between a locked position, in which the locking members are in engagement with the shield member to substantially prevent axial movement thereof, and a release position, in which the locking members are disengaged from the shield member to permit axial movement thereof. The first and second locking members each include biasing members. The biasing member of the each locking member is positioned to cooperate with the other locking member to normally bias the locking members towards the locked position.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter adapted for insertion into a urethra and a catheter package sized to receive the urinary catheter. The urinary catheter is configured to project from the catheter package to accommodate insertion into the urethra.

Abstract: A needle protection device including a needle holder for operable coupling to an injection device and from which an injection needle projects, a blocking device which projects from the needle holder and is radially distanced from the injection needle, a needle protection element which can be moved into a first position and, from the first position, to a protection position in which it surrounds the injection needle, and which can be blocked from leaving the protection position by the blocking device, and a safety member arranged between the injection needle and the needle protection element in such a way that it can be displaced in relation to the injection needle, wherein the needle protection element includes an engagement element and the safety member includes a counter-element, the engagement element and counter-element mutually engaging when the needle protection element is moved into the first position, the needle protection element thereby entraining the safety member during movement of the needle prot

Abstract: A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament container for a liquid medicament, the medicament container comprising a bag with an outlet, the bag being compressible or shrinkable by subjection of at least a part of the medicament container to an energy source.

Abstract: The application relates to a needle protection assembly (1) comprising a support (2), a needle shield (8), urging means (10) located between said support (2) and said needle shield (8), tending to displace said needle shield (8) distally over said needle (3), wherein the assembly comprises one abutment (5) provided on said support (2), receiving a locking element (10a), a part of said urging means being laterally movable with respect to said support (2) and forming part of said locking element (10a).

Abstract: A closable male luer connector is provided in which an inner portion within the spigot of the connector is movable from a sealing position to an open position on connection of the connector to a female luer connector wherein the movement of the inner portion may be caused by, for example, action of the female connector on a projecting arm or a screw thread arrangement.

Abstract: A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A medical device for placement of regional anesthesia catheters. The device comprises a hollow shaft needle, a plunger attached to the posterior end of the needle, a housing dimensioned so that plunger can slide inside the housing with friction, a regional anesthesia catheter preloaded inside the needle, a protective cover sheath covering the catheter, and a catheter adaptor attached to posterior end of the sheath and the catheter. The medical device allows a practitioner to quickly and effectively place a regional anesthesia catheter inside an organism without the use of an assistant, and with minimal risk of contaminating the catheter before it enters the organism's body. At the end, the needle is withdrawn inside the housing and disposed.

Abstract: A protector is attached for use to a needle body having a main needle body and an enlarged-diameter section having an outer diameter greater than that of the main needle body. The protector includes a platelike protector body made of a metal material. The protector body includes a first section formed with a first hole adapted to receive the needle body when the needle body is passed therethrough, a second section formed with a second hole, and a third section adapted to connect the first section and the second section. The second hole of the second section is provided with a tubular portion that permits the main needle body to pass therethrough, but prohibits the enlarged-diameter section from passing through the tubular portion. In a state in which the protector covers the needle tip, the tubular portion comes into abutment against the enlarged-diameter section, thus prohibiting the needle body from moving toward the proximal side.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter assembly and methods of use are herein disclosed. The catheter assembly, in one embodiment, is deflectable and includes a first catheter, a second catheter, and a third catheter. The second catheter fits coaxially within the first catheter. In some embodiments, the first and/or second catheter can be constituently different from proximal end to distal end. At least one of the first catheter and the second catheter include a deflectable portion to allow deflection of that catheter from a first position to a second position. The third catheter has a sheath and a medical instrument positioned within the sheath. The third catheter fits coaxially within the second catheter.

Abstract: A protector comprising an inner tube, a lid connected to an upper opening of the inner tube through a hinge, and an outer tube for holding the inner tube in an inner cavity part of the outer tube. A blood collecting needle to which a tube is connected is stored in the inner tube. The inner tube comprises an annular seat face which seats on the base end part of a hub formed integrally with the blood collecting needle when the blood collecting needle moves downward. An operation lever extending downward is installed at the side of the lid, and an end part of the operation lever is slightly projected outward. When the blood collecting needle is moved, the inner tube is pulled integrally with the tube by the annular seat face to be slid relative to the outer tube until the end part abuts on the lower end part of an operation hole. Then, the lid is closed and the blood collecting needle is stored in the inner tube.

Abstract: A needle protection device detachably fixed to an injection appliance includes a needle, a needle holder from which a needle injection section of the needle projects distally and a needle connection section of the needle projects proximally, a distal needle protection element connected to the needle holder movable in the distal direction from a release position to a protection position and arranged behind the needle injection section in the release position and overlapping the needle injection section and distal end of the injection needle in the protection position, a proximal needle protection element connected to the needle holder movable from a release position and arranged behind the needle connection section into a protection position and overlapping the needle connection section and proximal end of the injection needle, and a blocking device which blocks movement of the proximal needle protection element from the protection position into the release position.

Abstract: A needle protection device for use with an injection device, the needle protection device including a moveable needle protection element which moves through a release course of movement into a locking engagement position as a result of an elastic force, the locking engagement position being achieved when the needle protection element moves from a starting position to a triggering position, when the needle protection element moves over a small portion of the release course, and being maintained when the needle protection element is no longer subjected to an external force in the triggering position.

Abstract: A catheter assembly with a catheter and a package for a catheter are provided. The package and catheter is provided with a seal that restricts passage of fluid between the package and the catheter. The assembly allows the catheter to be used without complete removal from the package. During urination, the assembly prevents the flow of urine from the outlet of the catheter and back through the package in a direction towards the user of the catheter. The seal allows the catheter to be dispensed from the package while the sealing is maintained and the assembly thus allows non-contaminated insertion and use of the catheter while the catheter is partly maintained in the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cannulating vessels and cavities are provided. Such an apparatus includes a y-adaptor having a front leg configured to hold a needle, a guide-wire leg configured to receive a guide-wire, and a syringe leg configured to hold a syringe for aspiration. Once the needle is inserted into the desired vessel or cavity, the syringe may be aspirated to determine if the insertion was successful. Then, a guide-wire may be pushed into the guide-wire leg and into the needle via the front leg of the apparatus. Once the guide-wire has reached the targeted vessel or cavity, a catheter or cannula may be positioned over the guide wire and advanced to the desired location.

Abstract: A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.

Abstract: A medical tubing set sheath is provided which includes a retention portion for attaching the sheath to a collar of a connector attached to the medical tubing set. The sheath may serve as a handle to facilitate torque-locking of the connector to another connector. The sheath may also include a ratcheting mechanism in order to allow for the sheath to ratchet upon application of excess torque, when the tubing set is being attached to a peripheral tubing set. The sheath may also include a needle receiving portion, so that the sheath provides for a needle protector, which may be retained in a position displaced from the needle in order to insure that the needle is exposed when removed from its packaging, and can be quickly and easily inserted in a patient's arm.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and compositions for clearing and cleaning enteral feeding tubes. More particularly, the composition is an ingestible gel composition that comprises enzymes for degrading buildup in enteral feeding tubes, carrageenan, and divalent metal ions or a source thereof. The carrageenan present in the composition stabilizes the enzymes at room temperatures, allowing for long-term storage of the composition. Upon injecting the gelled composition into the feeding tube, body heat from the patient melts the gel, and the enzymes are released to act on debris present in the feeding tube.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter having a tube and including mechanisms that provide precision control over insertion and retraction of the catheter tube. The catheter is particularly adapted for introduction into the pulmonary system. The catheter includes an insertion depth control mechanism that acts as a stop and provides a tactile indication to the person inserting the catheter tube that a predetermined position has been reached. The catheter also includes an anti-bunching mechanism to prevent bunching of a protective sleeve disposed around the catheter tube, thereby reducing interference from the sleeve during insertion of the catheter tube.

Abstract: A suction catheter assembly, particularly adapted for neonatal use includes a distal manifold body including a rotatable connector for connection to an endotracheal tube, a ventilating port member and an ancillary catheter receiving port member. The manifold body is rotatably joined to a catheter tube seal housing. The seal housing includes an irrigation port member. A catheter tube wiper seal and a filter member are disposed in the seal housing which is joined to a suction control valve assembly by an elongated flexible sheath defining an enclosed space through which the catheter tube extends between the valve assembly and the manifold. A resilient closure member actuator and slide lock member are engageable with a closure member of the valve assembly.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a surgical instrument for insertion in an incision during surgical treatment and removal of tissue includes an inner elongated needle having an ovoid shape and a bore extending therethrough; and a hollow sleeve that surrounds the ovoid shaped needle such that two side regions of the needle contact an inner surface of the sleeve at two locations so as to define a pair of fluid channels that are located between convex outer surfaces of the needle and the inner surface of the sleeve. The shape of the sleeve, when deformed by insertion of the needle, is configured to be received within the incision during the surgical treatment and removal of the tissue so as to plug opposite ends of the incision and provide an at least substantially closed surgical site.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for deploying a bronchial isolation device in a bronchial passageway in a lung of a patient. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an outer shaft having a distal end. A housing is coupled to the distal end of the outer shaft and configured to receive the bronchial device. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the outer shaft. A handle is adapted to move the outer shaft relative to both the inner shaft and the handle while the inner shaft remains fixed relative to the handle so as to eject the bronchial isolation device from the housing.

Abstract: The system (2) includes a catheter drive unit (22) and a catheter (24) extending therefrom movably mounted to a catheter drive sled (26). The catheter drive unit rotates and translates the catheter core (34) within the catheter sheath (36). The sled has a serrated, conical drive unit interface (82), with a bag-piercing tip (86) mateable with a translator drive output (92) so that a sterile drape (112) enclosing the catheter drive unit is automatically pierced when the catheter drive unit is mounted to the sled. A control unit (6) is spaced apart from the catheter drive unit and provides power and commands to the catheter drive unit and receives information and data from the catheter drive unit. The rotator and translator drive motors (54, 90) are operated from both the control unit and the catheter drive unit. Both the control unit and catheter drive unit have translation displacement displays (10, 30).

Abstract: A kit for preparing a medical catheter from catheter sections comprises a tubular protective member surrounding a first, proximal one of the catheter sections. The kit further comprises a joint for interconnecting the catheter sections, the joint defining a substantially liquid tight seal at one end of a substantially annular and longitudinally extending cavity provided between the proximal end portion of the first catheter section and an inner wall of the tubular protective member. Following removal of the tubular protective member, one of the catheter sections is exposed and ready for insertion into the urethra.

Abstract: A device for urinary catheterization including an oblong member for opening the human bladder and a guide member for manipulating the oblong member. The guide member may be provided in a bent configuration, e.g. being curled or folded, such that the size of the device is small in comparison with the size of known catheters, especially in comparison with existing catheters for male users.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, small cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of implant delivery catheters. The access route is through the ventricular myocardium, more specifically at the left ventricular apex, into the aortic root. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device, which is removed prior to the introduction of implant delivery catheters. In an exemplary application, the sheath includes a supported proximal end, a supported distal end, and a collapsible center section.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for delivery of fluids to and/or withdrawal of fluids from a blood vessel in a body includes a catheter having at least two lumens and a sheath attached to the proximal end of the catheter. The sheath is positionable over an entire length of the catheter while the catheter is within the blood vessel and is adapted for direct attachment to the body. The sheath may provide protective and/or sterilization functions for the multi-lumen catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly with a catheter and a package for a catheter are provided. The package and catheter is provided with a seal that restricts passage of fluid between the package and the catheter. The assembly allows the catheter to be used without complete removal from the package. During urination, the assembly prevents the flow of urine from the outlet of the catheter and back through the package in a direction towards the user of the catheter. The seal allows the catheter to be dispensed from the package while the sealing is maintained and the assembly thus allows non-contaminated insertion and use of the catheter while the catheter is partly maintained in the package.

Abstract: An immersion bag system for use with an ultrasound probe to overcome near field artifact includes a flexible thin wall thickness immersion bag with an attached flexible collar having an integral internal seal. The immersion bag contains a gel or other ultrasound transmission medium and is sealingly and removably attached by a mutually formed probe/seal valve to the tip end of an ultrasound probe. The immersion bag is able to conform to a cornea, as well as to other surfaces, whether flat or irregular, thereby enabling an ultrasound probe to be used easily on such surfaces. An ultrasound probe in use with the immersion bag system is maintained at a distance above the contact surface of the immersion bag and is positionable about the vertical axis while the immersion bag maintains stationary conformal contact with the structure against which it is in contact.

Abstract: A gastrostomy catheter introducing device includes a puncturing device 1 including a body 6 having a tube 4 and a flange 5, and a puncturing needle 7 axially slidably held in the tube 4 of the body 5; and a gastric wall fixating and fistula expanding device 2 including an outer tube 9 to be inserted into the tube 4 of the puncturing device 1, a gastrostomy catheter guide member 10 held inside the outer tube 9, a clip 11 swingably attached to an inner end part of the gastrostomy catheter guide member 10, and a clip turning member 12 having one end connected to the clip 11 to turn the clip 11.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe has a hollow body adapted to hold a liquid, an inner cap fitted over an end of the body, and an axially extending needle seated in the inner cap and having an outer point projecting axially outward from the inner cap and an inner point projecting axially inward from the inner cap toward the body. An outer cap fittable over the inner cap and needle is connected to a clamp ring engageable around the inner cap by a frangible web. Interengaging formations on the ring and on the inner cap releasably retain the outer cap in an outer position spaced axially outward of the body and in which an interior of the outer cap is open to the exterior and an inner position spaced axially closely to the body and in which the interior of the outer cap is not open to the exterior.

Abstract: A percutaneous luminal access system comprises a thin-walled, collapsible sheath, an introducer, a hemostatic valve, and an access catheter. An introducer may comprise either a pusher tube or an elongate member, or where the introducer is used to axially advance the sheath into a blood vessel or other target lumen. A hemostatic valve may be connected to a proximal end of the sheath, and the access catheter introduced through the hemostatic valve. Pressurized fluid may also be introduced through the hemostatic valve and delivered through a flow region around the catheter within the sheath and optionally through the catheter to the target luminal site.

Abstract: A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device (2) for a prefilled syringe (1), the syringe comprising a body (3), a needle carrier (4), a piston (6) movable inside the body, and a piston rod (7) suitable for pushing the piston inside the body towards the needle carrier. The device comprises a protective sheath (10) in which the syringe body can slide between an injection position and a safe position in which the needle is withdrawn inside the sheath, said device (2) comprising a resilient element (15) suitable for acting on the syringe to bring in into its safe position after injection, said resilient element presenting two axial ends and comprising at least two elastically-deformable arms extending between said two axial ends, one of the ends (20) being arranged so as to be capable of sliding freely relative to the piston rod (7) prior to injection, and/or one of the ends being arranged in such a manner as to be capable of being fixed to the protective sheath (10) in a position of adjustable height.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving chest drainage in humans or other animals. Chest drainage is often required following traumatic injury or surgery. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery or military setting. The devices utilize a chest tube with a cutting distal end and a central blunt trocar. The blunt trocar or obturator shields the sharp cutting distal end of the chest tube until controllably retracted. Once the blunt trocar or obturator is retracted, the chest tube is advanced out through its sterile, protective package and into the patient. The blunt trocar is advanced back into its position to shield the sharp tip of the chest tube during patient insertion. The chest tube also includes a hold-down mechanism that is created by an adhesive seal to the patient's chest and ribbons or straps that are wrapped around the chest tube once it is correctly positioned.