Patent ID: 7811293

Claim:
A rapid tube insertion system for inserting tubes into a pleural space in a chest comprising a cutting device having a probe tip which extends distally, a compliant cannula capable of being placed over the probe tip, the end of the probe tip extending beyond the cannula, the cannula being capable of being inserted into an incision into the pleural space, a chest tube having a distal end adapted to be inserted through the compliant cannula and a proximal portion extending outwardly therefrom, and the cannula being capable of being passed over the proximal portion of the tube, and a sealing structure which mates to the tube and is adapted to create a pneumo-seal substantially at the junction of the sealing structure and the exterior surface of the chest, wherein the sealing structure does not substantially penetrate the chest wall and the sealing structure attaches to the exterior surface of the chest and the tube without sutures, wherein the sealing structure includes a generally cylindrical upper portion with a plurality of annular ribs on the inner surface of the cylindrical upper portion and wherein the chest tube is sufficiently compliant to conform to the ribs.