Supporting Documents:

Sell Sheet

The Universal Stylet Bougie, or USB, represents a significant advance in the design and development of tracheal introducers (bougies) and stylets.

Traditionally, the design requirements of stylets and bougies have always been considered incompatible. A stylet requires sufficient rigidity to allow the tracheal tube to be manipulated to and maintained at a variety of angles, whereas a bougie needs to be flexible enough to allow positive tracheal ring feedback whilst incorporating specific memory characteristics to allow correct placement.

The unique design of the USB incorporates two metal inserts either side of a more flexible middle section. The USB can easily be manipulated to a variety of angles when used as a stylet, yet has the flexibility when used as a bougie to provide a significantly enhanced level of tracheal ring feedback.

In addition, the hexagonal shape provides less contact with the inner surface of the tracheal tube, providing particularly easy insertion and removal.

Universal Stylet Bougie Features:

• Hybrid bougie and stylet: The unique design of the USB means the device can be used as a stylet or as a bougie.
• Easier insertion and removal: The unique hexagonal shape of the USB provides less contact and interference with the tracheal tube ensuring the device can be easily inserted and removed. The hexagonal shape also provides optimal grip and eliminates the potential for rolling.
• Easier storage: The folded design and smaller footprint of the USB makes it easier and more convenient to store than traditional stylets and bougies. It also ensures orientation of the device is always clear.
• Improved tracheal ring detection: When there is a restricted laryngeal view, it is not always possible to visually determine whether a bougie has been correctly placed in to the trachea. In such circumstances, immediate feedback as to whether placement has been successful can be obtained by determining whether the tracheal rings can be felt as the bougie is moved backwards and forwards. This is the same for the USB, except its unique design, incorporating a flexible section positioned between two inserts with different metallic properties, provides an enhanced level of amplification and tracheal ring detection not usually seen with traditional bougies.