Breaking of airway exchange device during endotracheal intubation - An avoidable catastrophe

Broken bougie: Prevention is better than cure!

“…[ 2 ] They need to be stored carefully, avoiding sunlight or excessive heat while safeguarding against bending or folding. [ 3 ] The authors avoided lubrication, but water-based jelly prevents undue friction with resultant damage. [ 2 3 ] If the operator encounters resistance while threading the tube, withdrawing the tube by 1–2 cm, followed by rotating the bougie by 90°, would aid in the successful placement of the tube.…”

“…[ 3 ] The authors avoided lubrication, but water-based jelly prevents undue friction with resultant damage. [ 2 3 ] If the operator encounters resistance while threading the tube, withdrawing the tube by 1–2 cm, followed by rotating the bougie by 90°, would aid in the successful placement of the tube. ‘Hold-up’ should not be aimed for, and mid-tracheal placement of bougie is preferred to avoid injuries.…”