Description:
The Eschmann tracheal tube introducer (formerly known as the gum elastic bougie) is a 70cm long, 15 French Gauge flexible device with a J angle at its distal tip. During use a curve is also formed towards its distal end. The device should be clinically clean prior to use but does not need to be sterile. Both re-usable and disposable versions are available.

The tracheal tube introducer is used to facilitate difficult intubation. It should not be confused with the more rigid stylet, which is inserted into the ET tube and used to alter its shape prior to intubation. Unlike the stylet a bougie is inserted independently of the ET tube and is used as a guide. Since the bougie is considerably softer, more malleable, and blunter than a stylet this technique is considered to be a relatively atraumatic procedure.

Indications
Difficult intubation with a restricted view of the glottic opening. This may occur due to:

Short, thick (bull) neck
Pregnancy
Laryngeal oedema (anaphylaxis, burns)
Normal anatomical variation
Supra-glottic neoplasms (tumours above the glottic opening)
Inability to position patient appropriately (e.g. entrapment, confined space).

Uses: