Tracheal intubation: improving first pass success with smart material solutions

Airway management and intubation procedures continue to challenge anaesthetists. With current equipment not always providing an optimum solution, this can lead to potential serious complications if an airway is not secured quickly. Improvements in airway devices need to be discussed, designed, tested, and implemented. The implementation of the appropriate smart technologies and materials present an opportunity to resolve key issues with bougie-guided intubation. It is suggested that the development of a novel steerable bougie could improve current tracheal intubation practice. This proposition is grounded on using the appropriate research and design development strategies combined with a structured methodological approach