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May 30, 2018
Effect of Use of a Bougie vs Endotracheal Tube and Stylet on First-Attempt Intubation Success Among Patients With Difficult Airways Undergoing Emergency Intubation
Brian E. Driver, MD1; Matthew E. Prekker, MD1,2; Lauren R. Klein, MD1; et al
Key Points
Question
In patients admitted to the emergency department with difficult airway characteristics undergoing orotracheal intubation with a Macintosh laryngoscope blade, does a bougie facilitate higher first-attempt intubation success than an endotracheal tube + stylet?
Findings
In this randomized clinical trial that included 757 adults, bougie use resulted in significantly higher first-attempt intubation success than an endotracheal tube + stylet (96% vs 82%) for those with a difficult airway characteristic.
Meaning
Although bougie use led to a higher likelihood of first-attempt intubation success, further research is needed to assess generalizability to other institutions and settings.