Use of the Gum-Elastic Bougie in Simulated Difficult Intubation

Abstract

 We studied the success rates of tracheal intubation using the gum-elastic bougie in simulated difficult intubation. After induction of anaesthesia, the patient's head was fixed using manual in-line stabilization. A laryngoscopic view assessment was made using conventional Macintosh laryngoscopy as described by Cormack and Lehane. We then attempted tracheal intubation using a gum-elastic bougie. The tube was correctly placed in the trachea in 100% cases of grade 2a and 2b, in 90% of grade 3a, 51% of grade 3b and 0% of grade 4.