A pigtail catheter is a small, flexible chest tube with a unique coiled design at the tip, resembling a pigtail. This shape ensures secure placement and effective drainage of fluid or air from the pleural space, making it ideal for conditions like pneumothorax or hemothorax. For the correct application of a pigtail catheter for pleural effusion, enter the rib space slightly above the rib below, to avoid major neurovascular bundles running underneath the rib, and collaterals running above the rib. Advance your needle in small increments. PURPOSE: To outline the indications and procedure guideline for the insertion and removal of a chest tube (tube thoracostomy) or a pigtail catheter in a trauma patient. Designed for percutaneous drainage, meaning it is inserted through the skin, this procedure offers a less invasive alternative to. A pigtail catheter chest tube is a small, flexible medical device used to drain unwanted fluids or air from the space surrounding the lungs, known as the pleural cavity.