Sheath device with dressing for prevention of pneumothorax

A method of preventing pneumothorax in a patient having a chest tube inserted in the patient's chest, the method comprising:

• attaching to the patient's chest an air-impermeable sheath device having a body, a joint, and a base such that the deformable joint and the base are removable from the body said base and body defining a sealed airspace, wherein said chest tube is positioned at least partially within said airspace;
• removing the chest tube through the sheath device;
• and
• sealing the sheath device leaving an air-impermeable dressing over the patient's chest
• after the chest tube is removed from the patient's chest and before the chest tube is entirely removed from the sheath device.

A sheath device for use on a patient having a chest tube inserted into the patient's chest cavity, the sheath device comprising:

• a substantially rigid, hollow, air-impermeable body configured to fit snugly around a chest tube, the body having a first end and a second end;
• an air-impermeable flexible expandable seal at the first end of the body;
• an air-impermeable flexible sealable joint at the second end of the body;
• and
• a base having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is connected with the flexible joint, and wherein the second side includes an adhesive for securing the base to the patient's chest;
• the base providing an air-impermeable connection between the flexible joint and the patient's chest;
• wherein the flexible joint and base are removable from the body such that when the flexible joint and base are removed from the body, the flexible joint and base together form an air-impermeable dressing on the patient's chest.