Intubation bougie dissection of tracheal mucosa and intratracheal airway obstruction

Abstract

Intubation bougies are commonly used to aid in intubation when an optimal view of the larynx is not obtained. We describe a case of tracheal perforation using a disposable intubation bougie resulting in a complete intratracheal airway obstruction relieved by cricothyrotomy. Disposable intubation bougies may have mechanical properties that differ from their nondisposable counterparts making complications more likely.