Cardiac output probe assembly

A method of removing a temporarily implantable cardiac output probe, detachably attached to tissue within a living body, said method comprising:

• applying force to a line which is connected to said implantable probe;
• utilizing said force to detach said implantable probe from the tissue;
• utilizing said force to draw said implantable probe to a mouth portion of a chest tube enclosed within the thoracic cavity of the living body;
• and
• withdrawing said chest tube from the living body.

A method of surgically attaching a temporarily implantable cardiac output probe and safely removing the implantable probe with further surgery, said method comprising:

• attaching a temporarily implantable cardiac output probe to tissue within a living body;
• placing a chest tube having a receptacle at its distal end in the living body such that the distal end of said chest tube is in general proximity to said implantable probe and a proximal end of said chest tube extends out of the living body;
• attaching a line to said implantable probe and passing said line through a lumen of said chest tube so that a portion of said line and a portion of said chest tube are accessible from outside the living body;
• applying force to said line to remove said implantable probe from the tissue and to place said implantable probe in the receptacle of said chest tube;
• and
• removing said chest tube and said implantable probe from the living body.

A medical device for use on extravascular tissue within a living body, comprising:

• a temporary implant comprising an attachment portion which is adapted to detachably attach fasten said probe to the extravascular tissue;
• a line, connected to said implant, said attachment portion being configured to cause release of said implant in response to a force on said line;
• and
• a chest tube having a generally smooth outer surface to permit said chest tube to be inserted into and enclosed within the thoracic cavity of the living body and to be withdrawn from the living body by pulling thereon, said tube sized to permit said line to pass therethrough, and having a mouth portion which is sized to permit said implant to fit therein and which receives said implant prior to withdrawal of said chest tube from the thoracic cavity.