A device for removing air from an anatomical cavity in a surgical intervention, comprising a flexible catheter with one or more lumens having a proximal end and a distal end, each lumen having one or more holes at a terminal portion of the catheter comprising the distal end, there being further provided an aspiration means for aspirating air from the anatomical cavity, an insufflation means for insufflating, into the anatomical cavity, an air replacement gas having a higher density than air, and a means for lifting said terminal portion of the catheter for the placement thereof at the top of the anatomical cavity, the insufflation means and said aspiration means being connected to the proximal end of the catheter.
