Comparison of four methods of endotracheal tube passage in simulated airways: There is room for improved techniques.

The data show that tube passage with a stylet ETT or a preloaded bougie is superior in terms of higher first pass success, faster time-to-intubation and higher post-test preference. The naked ETT is clearly inferior to other methods. This research supports the recommendation to use a stylet ETT or bougie for every predicted difficult intubation.