How To Do Tube and Catheter Thoracostomy By Rebecca Dezube, MD, MHS, Johns Hopkins University Reviewed / Revised Jul 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Indications Contraindications Complications Equipment Additional Considerations Relevant Anatomy Positioning Step-by-Step Description of Procedure Aftercare Warnings and Common Errors Tips and Tricks Reference Topic Resources Rib Anatomy How to Do Tube Thoracostomy Surgical tube thoracostomy is insertion of a surgical tube into the pleural space to drain air or fluid from the chest.