Bougie‐related airway trauma: dangers of the hold‐up sign

Summary The bougie is a popular tool in difficult intubations. The hold‐up sign is used to confirm tracheal placement of a bougie. This study aimed to establish the potential for airway trauma when using this sign with an Eschmann re‐usable bougie or a Frova single‐use bougie. Airways were simulated using a manikin (hold‐up force) and porcine lung model (airway perforation force). Mean ( SD ) hold‐up force (for airway lengths over the range...