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Review
. 2017 Jun;31(3):531-537.
doi: 10.1007/s10877-016-9879-8. Epub 2016 Apr 16.

The role of tracheal tube introducers and stylets in current airway management

Sina Grape  1   2 , Patrick Schoettker  3
Affiliations
Review

The role of tracheal tube introducers and stylets in current airway management

Sina Grape et al. J Clin Monit Comput. 2017 Jun.

Abstract

Tracheal tube introducers and stylets are highly successful devices for the management of various airway scenarios. Their first-line use is advocated in many difficult airway algorithms. Although they have been used for decades, the shape and design of introducers and stylets as well as their patterns of use are constantly evolving. Our purpose is to provide the clinician with an update on these different devices. We performed a systematic literature search from 2005 until May 2015, without language restrictions. The two authors independently retrieved all studies with the keywords "bougie", "gum elastic bougie", "stylet", "airway management", "tracheal tube introducer" and "extubation catheter". Our search did yield mostly observational and retrospective studies with small case numbers. The data was synthesized into a narrative review to provide the clinician with an update on the characteristics, indications and techniques of use as well as the dangers of different intubation aids. Today, numerous tracheal tube introducers and stylets exist with different indications, ranging from general to specific situations. Anesthetists should be familiar with the different devices, their characteristics and indications in order to use the right device at the right time in the right way.

Keywords: Bougies; Difficult intubation; Intubation; Intubation aids; Stylets.

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Comment in

  • Tracheal tube stylets as a habit.
    Gemma M. Gemma M. J Clin Monit Comput. 2017 Jun;31(3):651. doi: 10.1007/s10877-017-9985-2. Epub 2017 Jan 25. J Clin Monit Comput. 2017. PMID: 28124227 No abstract available.
  • In response to: tracheal tube stylets as a habit.
    Schoettker P, Grape S. Schoettker P, et al. J Clin Monit Comput. 2017 Jun;31(3):653. doi: 10.1007/s10877-017-9987-0. Epub 2017 Jan 30. J Clin Monit Comput. 2017. PMID: 28138900 No abstract available.

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