The process of inserting a chest drainage catheter » , known as tube thoracostomy, is Normally performed in a hospital setting under sterile conditions. Here’s a step-by-step overview: 1. Patient Preparation: The patient lies down on their back or side, with the arm on the side needing treatment raised to show the chest. To make it less painful, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. 2. Incision and Insertion: When doctors insert a chest drainage catheter, they start by making a small cut in the chest wall. Then, they carefully slide the tube into the space around the lungs called the pleural space. They use techniques like ultrasound or X-ray to make sure the tube goes in the right place. This helps ensure the procedure is accurate and safe for the patient.