Towards evidence based emergency medicine: best BETs from the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Difficult intubation, the bougie and the stylet

Abstract

A short cut review was carried out to establish whether a gum elastic bougie is more effective than a stylet at improving the success rate in difficult intubation. Altogether 32 papers were found using the reported search, of which one presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date, and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of this best paper are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.