VFlutter
Flight Nurse
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Just thought I would do a quick review of the SunMed Bougie-to-Go. It is a "pocket" style Bougie that, so far, works great.
We have had issues with our standard Protex Bougie Introducers. We had to store them bent up in our jump bag which resulted in them being bent and difficult to return to shape when used. We are not allowed to have a PVC pipe in the bag which had kept them straight in the past. We also keep one tucked under the stretcher mattress but that leads to them getting pretty beat up fast as well as not quickly accessible on scenes. Besides the storage problems, the biggest issue in my opinion is the poorly functioning coude tip.
The Bougie-to-Go is a curled bougie that keeps a much more usable shape when removed from the package. It can be kept almost anywhere in your kit. I keep one in my flightsuit leg pocket.
It is the same diameter, 15fr, and is 60cm vs 70cm with the Protex. The shorter length, ~ 4 inches, can be a concern if you use the "Kiwi" method but is still totally usable. I train with the Kiwi grip because I intubate in flight occasionally and don't always have an extra hand to thread the ET tube if my partner is busy. In most situations I just use the bougie and have someone thread the tube after.
The Bonjo method offers a little more forward length but has the risk of dislodging the Bougie from the ETT if the tip is pushed too hard against.
But the biggest benefit is the coude tip. It is longer, a more acute angle, and much sturdier than the Protex. It works much better and is a huge improvement.
All in all, I would highly recommend the Bougie-to-Go over the Portex. Easier to store and better function. The Protex is still useful when the extra length is needed such as for ET tube exchanges but would definitely pick the BtG if I could only have one.
We have had issues with our standard Protex Bougie Introducers. We had to store them bent up in our jump bag which resulted in them being bent and difficult to return to shape when used. We are not allowed to have a PVC pipe in the bag which had kept them straight in the past. We also keep one tucked under the stretcher mattress but that leads to them getting pretty beat up fast as well as not quickly accessible on scenes. Besides the storage problems, the biggest issue in my opinion is the poorly functioning coude tip.
The Bougie-to-Go is a curled bougie that keeps a much more usable shape when removed from the package. It can be kept almost anywhere in your kit. I keep one in my flightsuit leg pocket.
It is the same diameter, 15fr, and is 60cm vs 70cm with the Protex. The shorter length, ~ 4 inches, can be a concern if you use the "Kiwi" method but is still totally usable. I train with the Kiwi grip because I intubate in flight occasionally and don't always have an extra hand to thread the ET tube if my partner is busy. In most situations I just use the bougie and have someone thread the tube after.
The Bonjo method offers a little more forward length but has the risk of dislodging the Bougie from the ETT if the tip is pushed too hard against.
But the biggest benefit is the coude tip. It is longer, a more acute angle, and much sturdier than the Protex. It works much better and is a huge improvement.
All in all, I would highly recommend the Bougie-to-Go over the Portex. Easier to store and better function. The Protex is still useful when the extra length is needed such as for ET tube exchanges but would definitely pick the BtG if I could only have one.
