Universal Stylet Bougie (USB™)

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 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.

Features

• Hybrid and bougie 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.
• Simpler storage: Compared to conventional stylets and bougies, the USB™ is easier and more convenient to store due to its folded shape and smaller footprint. It also guarantees that the device is always oriented clearly.  
• Better identification of tracheal rings: It is not always easy to visually ascertain whether a bougie has been inserted into the trachea appropriately when there is a restricted laryngeal view. In situations such as these, feeling the tracheal rings during the bougie's back and forth movements might provide instant feedback on the success of the placement. This also applies to the USB™, with the exception that its special design—which places a flexible piece in between two inserts with dissimilar metallic qualities—allows for improved amplification and tracheal ring detection beyond what is typically possible with bougies.