advantages over needle thoracostomy:
unlimited by needle length
observable signs confirming pleural access
puncture sensation of parietal pleura with Kelly/finger
palpation of parietal pleura with<unk> 
palpation of lung parenchyma with<unk> 
if no pneumothorax, will not puncture lung parenchyma to create new pneumothorax
theoretically does not require placement of chest tube if no initial pneumothorax
no chance of catheter "kinking"
advantages over tube thoracostomy
simpler: quicker, easier, less equipment
no foreign body, decreased infection
unlimited by needle length
observable signs confirming pleural access
puncture sensation of parietal pleura with Kelly/finger
palpation of parietal pleura with<unk> 
palpation of lung parenchyma with<unk> 
if no pneumothorax, will not puncture lung parenchyma to create new pneumothorax
theoretically does not require placement of chest tube if no initial pneumothorax
no chance of catheter "kinking"
puncture sensation of parietal pleura with Kelly/finger
palpation of parietal pleura with<unk> 
palpation of lung parenchyma with<unk> 
theoretically does not require placement of chest tube if no initial pneumothorax
simpler: quicker, easier, less equipment
no foreign body, decreased infection
Finger thoracostomy
Needle thoracostomy
Thoracotomy
Thoracotomy 
Thoracic lavage
Pulmonary antibiotics
Surgical airways
Chest tube