A NOVEL ADJUSTABLE BOUGIE COMPARED WITH COOK’S AIRWAY EXCHANGE CATHETER FOR INTUBATION USING C-MAC VIDEO LARYNGOSCOPY: A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Endotracheal intubation remains a cornerstone of airway management. While video laryngoscopes such as the C-MAC improve glottic visualization, adjuncts like bougies and airway exchange catheters play a key role in facilitating tube passage.

Aim: To compare the performance of a novel adjustable bougie with Cook’s Airway Exchange Catheter (CAEC) in patients undergoing elective intubation using C-MAC video laryngoscopy.

Methods: A prospective, randomized comparative study was conducted on 60 ASA I–III patients (30–60 years) scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group A (n=30, adjustable bougie) and Group B (n=30, CAEC). Primary outcome was first-pass success rate. Secondary outcomes included intubation time, ease of intubation, complications, and number of attempts.

Results: The bougie group demonstrated significantly shorter mean intubation time (23.23 ± 2.6 vs 26.50 ± 5.0 sec; p=0.001), higher first-pass success (60% vs 33.3%; p=0.03), and fewer complications (36.7% vs 76.7%; p=0.04) compared to the CAEC group. Overall success was 100% in both groups.

Conclusion: The novel adjustable bougie offers superior intubation efficiency and higher first-pass success compared to CAEC when used with C-MAC video laryngoscopy, making it a valuable adjunct for elective airway management.