the present invention is a device and method for gaining access , quickly and inexpensively , to a body cavity for the purpose of inserting into the cavity a medical device , such as a chest tube . the device generally comprises a catheter and a cannula insertable into the catheter during an insertion procedure . the cannula has a cutting tip that extends beyond one end of the catheter . the cutting tip enables simple insertion of the device into the body without requiring substantial pushing force . once the device is inserted in the body , the cannula is removed , leaving a path of entry into the body cavity , while removing the sharp cutting tip from the area to reduce the likelihood of injury to a patient in whom the device is inserted .