Patent Publication Number: US-2023158264-A1

Title: Bougie and method of making and using the same

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/251,296, filed on Apr. 11, 2014, entitled “Bougie and Method of Making and Using Same”, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A bougie is used to assist placement of an endotracheal tube in a patient&#39;s trachea to aid in oxygenation of the patient. The bougie is placed within the trachea of the patient as a guide over which a tube is passed. Often prior to procedures requiring anesthesia, a bougie is inserted between the vocal cords by a user using a laryngoscope. An endotracheal tube is passed over the bougie into the trachea of the patient. After placement of the endotracheal tube, the bougie is removed. Generally, the bougie is used in situations in which the endotracheal tube cannot be passed into the trachea directly or easily. 
     Bougies are generally formed from flexible materials, being either straight or curved. Some bougies are formed from self-lubricating materials such as the bougie described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,161,967, while others require a user to lubricate a surface of the bougie to insert the bougie into the trachea of the patient, such as the Sun-Med Bougie Introducer™ (Sun-Med™ Largo, Fla., USA.). 
     A laryngoscope may be used to assist with the placement of a tube into a patient&#39;s trachea to aid with the oxygenation of the patient. The laryngoscopes often use either a straight or curved blade that allows for the visualization of the patient&#39;s vocal cords which are used for locating the patient&#39;s larynx and subsequently the trachea. This reduces the risk of intubating the patient&#39;s esophagus which would cause air to be blown into the stomach, causing stomach distension and vomiting not to mention depriving the patient of oxygen, and possibly death. 
     The presence of blood, saliva, and vomit secretions can interfere with the proper placement of the laryngoscope, further necessitating the use of the bougie. Further, in emergency situations, the proper placement of the laryngoscope must be done in a quick and safe manner. Often determining a proper depth of insertion for a bougie may be difficult, for example in emergency situations or in the presence of obscuring fluids or objects. Despite good technique by the health care provider utilizing the bougie, there is still a need for an improved bougie that can be used in difficult or emergency situations in and out of a medical facility while being reliably positioned at a proper insertion depth. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one version, a bougie is described as having a body, a first depth indicator on the body, and a second depth indicator on the body. The body has a first end and a second end, being blunted, and at least one surface extending between the first and second ends. The body has an elongated shape that is sized and dimensioned to pass through a mouth and into a trachea of a patient. The body is constructed of a flexible and non-immunogenic material. The first depth indicator is spaced a distance from the first end of the body and configured to indicate a first predetermined depth range such that the first end of the body is positioned a first predetermined insertion range past the mouth of the patient or proximal end of the laryngoscope that is within the patients mouth when the body is positioned into the mouth of the patient with the first depth indicator. The second depth indicator is spaced a second distance from the second end of the body and configured to indicate a second predetermined depth range such that the second end of the body is positioned a second predetermined insertion range past the mouth of the patient or proximal end of the laryngoscope that is within the patients mouth when the body is positioned into the mouth of the patient with the second depth indicator. The first predetermined depth range and the second predetermined depth range are different. 
     In another version a method of making a bougie is disclosed and performed by forming a bougie having a body, a first depth indicator on the body, and a second depth indicator on the body. The body has a first end, a second end, and at least one surface extending between the first and second ends. The first and second ends are blunted. The first depth indicator is spaced a first distance from the first end of the body and configured to indicate a first predetermined depth range such that the first end of the body is positioned a first predetermined insertion range past the mouth of a patient when the body is positioned in a mouth of the patient or proximal end of the laryngoscope that is within the patients mouth. The second depth indicator is spaced a second distance from the second end of the body and configured to indicate a second predetermined depth range such that the second end of the body is positioned a second predetermined insertion range past the mouth of the patient or proximal end of the laryngoscope that is within the patients mouth when the body is positioned into the mouth of the patient with the second depth indicator. The first predetermined depth range is different from the second predetermined depth range. 
     In another embodiment, a method of making a bougie is disclosed and performed by forming a first depth indicator on a body of the bougie. The body of the bougie has a first end and a second end, being blunted, and at least one surface extending between the first and second ends. The body has an elongated shape that is sized and dimensioned to pass through a mouth and into a trachea of a patient. The body is constructed of a flexible and non-immunogenic material. The first depth indicator is formed on the body and spaced a first distance from the first end of the body and configured to indicate a first predetermined depth range such that the first end of the body is positioned a first predetermined insertion range past the mouth of the patient when the body is positioned into the mouth of the patient with the first depth indicator. The method is further performed by forming a second depth indicator on the body of the bougie, the second depth indicator spaced a second distance from the second end of the body and configured to indicate a second predetermined depth range such that the second end of the body is positioned a second predetermined insertion range past the mouth of the patient when the body is positioned into the mouth of the patient with the second depth indicator. The first predetermined depth range is different from the second predetermined depth range. 
     In another version, a method of use for a bougie is disclosed and performed by obtaining a bougie. The bougie having a body with a first depth indicator spaced a distance from a first end of the body and configured to indicate a first predetermined insertion range. The body also has a second depth indicator spaced a second distance from a second end of the body and is configured to indicate a second predetermined insertion range. The method is further performed by determining whether the first predetermined insertion range or the second predetermined insertion range is appropriate for a particular patient. The method is then further performed by performing at least one of the following actions: inserting the first end of the body into a mouth of the patient responsive to the determination that the first predetermined insertion range is appropriate for the particular patient; and inserting the second end of the body into the mouth of the patient responsive to a determination that the second predetermined insertion range is appropriate for a particular patient. 
     In another version, a kit is disclosed. The kit is described as including a bougie and a laryngoscope as well as other possible equipment such as suction or instruments that could be used through the laryngoscope. The bougie has a body, a first depth indicator on the body, and a second depth indicator on the body. The body of the bougie has a first end and a second end, being blunted, and at least one surface extending between the first and second ends. The body has an elongated shape that is sized and dimensioned to pass through a mouth and into a trachea of a patient. The body is constructed of a flexible and non-immunogenic material. The first depth indicator is spaced a first distance from the first end of the body and configured to indicate a first predetermined depth range such that the first end of the body is positioned a first predetermined insertion range past the mouth of the patient when the body is positioned into the mouth of the patient with the first depth indicator. The second depth indicator is spaced a second distance from the second end of the body and configured to indicate a second predetermined depth range such that the second end of the body is positioned a second predetermined insertion range past the mouth of the patient when the body is positioned into the mouth of the patient with the second depth indicator. The first predetermined depth range and the second predetermined depth range are different. The laryngoscope has a handle, a tube coupled to the handle, and an optical subassembly providing light to the tube. The tube is constructed of a translucent material and has a proximal end, which is coupled to the handle, a distal end including a distal opening, and an interior extending from the proximal end of the distal end. The optical subassembly provides light to the interior of the tube so that a first portion of the light exits the interior of the tube via the distal opening and a second portion of the light propagates into the translucent material to illuminate the tube. 
     Upon reading the included description, various alternative embodiments will become obvious to those skilled in the art. These embodiments are to be considered within the scope and spirit of the subject disclosure, which is only limited by the claims which follow and their equivalents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain embodiments of the inventive concepts will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of the various technologies described herein. 
         FIG.  1    is a partial cross sectional view of a bougie inserted into a trachea of a patient, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the bougie of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  3 - 1 - 3 - 5    show a method of using the bougie of  FIG.  1   : 
         FIG.  3 - 1    is a partial cross sectional diagram of obtaining the bougie and determining whether a first predetermined insertion range or a second predetermined insertion range is appropriate for the patient; 
         FIG.  3 - 2    is a partial cross sectional diagram of inserting the bougie, of  FIG.  3 - 1   , into a trachea of the patient; 
         FIG.  3 - 3    is a partial cross sectional diagram of inserting an endotracheal tube into the trachea of the patient around the bougie of  FIG.  3 - 1   ; 
         FIG.  3 - 4    is a partial cross sectional diagram of positioning the endotracheal tube, of  FIG.  3 - 4   , into the trachea of the patient; and 
         FIG.  3 - 5    is a partial cross sectional diagram of removing the bougie, of  FIG.  3 - 1   , from the trachea of the patient. 
         FIG.  4    is a diagrammatic representation of a kit in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a partial cutaway view of a laryngoscope included with the kit of  FIG.  4   , in some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5 - 1    is an exploded view of another embodiment of the laryngoscope of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  5 - 2    is a partial diagram of another embodiment of the laryngoscope of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of an endotracheal tube included with the kit of  FIG.  4   , in some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a partial cross sectional diagram of positioning a bougie into a trachea of a patient with an adapter connected to the bougie for ventilation of the patient. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. 
     Unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). 
     In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concept. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless otherwise stated. 
     The terminology and phraseology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” or “involving,” and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited or inherently present therein. 
     As used herein any references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification may not refer to the same embodiment. 
     The present disclosure is generally directed toward a bougie, more specifically, toward a bougie having a body with a plurality of depth indicators configured to indicate a plurality of depth ranges such that the body may be positioned at one of a plurality of predetermined insertion ranges past the mouth of a patient when the body of the bougie is positioned into a mouth of the patient via an instrument such as a laryngoscope with one of the plurality of depth indicators. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , shown therein is a bougie  10 , also referred to as an introducer, inserted into a mouth  12  of a patient  14  with a first end  16  of the bougie  10  positioned past a vocal cord  18 , housed in a larynx and hereinafter referred to interchangeably as the larynx  18 , of the patient  14  and within a trachea  20  of the patient  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the bougie  10  may be provided with a body  22 , a first depth indicator  24  on the body  22 , and a second depth indicator  26  on the body  22 . The body  22  may be provided with the first end  16 , a second end  28 , and at least one surface  30  extending between the first and second ends  16  and  28 . The body  22  may be provided with an elongated shape  32  that may be sized and dimensioned to pass through the mouth  12  and into the trachea  20  of the patient  14 . The elongate shape  32  of the body  22  may have a length  34  extending between the first and second ends  16  and  28  and a width  36  extending substantially perpendicularly to the length  34 , where the width  36  is less than the length  34 . For example, in some embodiments, the length  34  may be in a range between about 60 cm and about 70 cm. The width  36 , or in some embodiments the diameter, of the cross section may be in a range of between about 0.3 cm to about 0.7 cm or a range of between about 8-20 Fr, for example. In some embodiments, the body  22  may have a circular, an ovaline, a polygonal, or any other suitable cross sectional shape. In embodiments where the body  22  has a polygonal cross section, each of a plurality of vertices on the surface  30  of the body  22  may be blunted to prevent trauma to the patient  14 . 
     In some embodiments, the first end  16 , the second end  28 , or both may be blunted, such that passing the first end  16  or the second end  28  into the mouth  12 , past the larynx  18 , and into the trachea  20  of the patient  14  may not cause trauma to the mouth  12 , the vocal cords  18 , or the trachea  20  of the patient  14 . In some embodiments, the first end  16 , the second end  28 , or both the first and second ends  16  and  28  may be formed at an angle with respect to the body  22  of the bougie  10 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . In these embodiments, the first end  16 , the second end  28 , or both may be angled so as to approximate a natural curvature of a throat extending between the mouth  12  and the trachea  20  of the patient  14 . 
     The body  22  may be constructed from a flexible and non-immunogenic material. For example, the body  22  may be constructed from Teflon™ (available from DuPont™, Wilmington, Del., U.S.A.), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), plastic, Silastic® (available from Dow Corning®, Midland, Mich., U.S.A.), cork, rubber, metal, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the body  22  may be formed from a braided material, such as braided polyester. In some of these embodiments, the braided material may be coated, for example with a resin or plastic. 
     The first depth indicator  24  may be on the body  22  of the bougie  10  and be spaced a first distance  38  from the first end  16  of the body  22 . The first depth indicator  24  may be configured to indicate a first predetermined depth range  40  such that the first end  16  of the body  22  is positioned a first predetermined insertion range  42  past the mouth  12  of the patient  14  when the body  22  is positioned in the mouth  12  of the patient  14  with the first depth indicator  24 . When inserted through a laryngoscope, the first end  16  of the body  22  may also be inserted past a proximal end of the laryngoscope when the body  22  is positioned in the mouth  12  of the patient  14  with the first depth indicator  24 . In some embodiments, the first depth indicator  24  may have a first end  43 - 1  and a second end  43 - 2 . The first end  16  may be positioned past the vocal cords  18  of the patient  14  when the first depth indicator is positioned in the mouth  12  of the patient  14 . The first end  43 - 1  may be indicative of approximately a minimum insertion depth of the first predetermined insertion range  42 . The second end  43 - 2  may be indicative of approximately a maximum insertion depth of the first predetermined insertion range  42 . In some embodiments, as will be explained below in more detail, the first predetermined insertion range  42  may be a distance from the mouth  12  of the patient  14  to an area within the trachea  20  of the patient  14  at which the first end  16  of the bougie  10  may be positioned for the bougie  10  to aid in intubation of the patient  14  while preventing over-extension of the first end  16  beyond the trachea and bronchus/lung injury. In some embodiments, the first depth indicator  24  may extend along the body  22  of the bougie  10  a distance between about 5 cm to about 7 cm between the first end  43 - 1  and the second end  43 - 2  of the first depth indicator  24 . 
     In some embodiments, the first depth indicator  24  between about 5 cm and about 15 cm in length. The first depth indicator  24  may be integral to the body  22  of the bougie  10  and formed as a raised section, such as a single raised section, or a series of spaced apart rings extending a distance between the first and second ends  16  and  28  of the body  22 . The first depth indicator  24  may also be formed as a lowered section or otherwise textured section, or plurality of lowered or textured sections extending a distance between the first and second ends  16  and  28  of the body  22 . In some other embodiments, the first depth indicator  24  may be connected to the body  22  of the bougie  10  after the body  22  has been formed. 
     In some embodiments, the first depth indicator  24  may be a colored section or a plurality of colored sections extending a distance between the first and second ends  16  and  28  of the body  22 . In embodiments where the first indicator  24  is a colored section or plurality of colored sections, the first indicator  24  may be integral to the body  22  of the bougie  10 , formed contemporaneously with the body  22 , or may be formed on at least one surface  30  of the body  22  of the bougie  10 . For example, in some embodiments, the first indicator  24  may be formed from a paint, dye, stain, glow in the dark coloring, ultraviolet light sensitive coloring, a radiopaque coloring or coating, or other permanent or semi-permanent marking material applied to the at least one surface  30  of the body  22 . In some embodiments, similar to those described for the colored sections, the first depth indicator  24  may be formed from text. For example conveying an appropriate range for the first predetermined depth range  40 , such as “start” at the first end  43 - 1  of the first depth indicator  24  and “end” at the second end  43 - 2  of the first depth indicator  24 . In some embodiments, a combination of text and graphical indicators may be used to form the first depth indicator  24 . For example, the first end  43 - 1  and the second end  43 - 2  may be formed from graphics or lines and text, such as the word “safe” or “go” may be formed on the at least one surface  30  and extend at least a portion of the distance between the first end  43 - 1  and the second end  43 - 2 . In some embodiments, the first depth indicator  24  may be formed from a combination of the raised section, lowered section, textured section, colored section, or pluralities of the same. 
     The first distance  38  may be a distance between the first end  16  of the body and the first end  43 - 1  of the first depth indicator  24 . In general, the first distance  38  may be measured such that insertion of the first end  16  of the bougie  10  into the mouth  12  of the patient  14  to the first end  43 - 1  of the first depth indicator  24  may be equal to a minimum average insertion depth within the first predetermined insertion range  42 , where the minimum average insertion depth is representative of a low end of the first predetermined insertion range  42 . Similarly, inserting the first end  16  of the bougie  10  into the mouth  12  of the patient  14  to the second end  43 - 1  of the first depth indicator  24  may be equal to a maximum average insertion depth within the first predetermined insertion range  42 , where the maximum average insertion depth is representative of a high end of the first predetermined insertion range  42 . For example, in some embodiments, the first distance  38  may be in a range from about 13 cm to about 23 cm. The first predetermined depth range  40  may be sized for insertion into the mouth  12  of the patient  14  of a first predetermined age range. For example, the first predetermined depth range  40  may be about 10 cm and the first predetermined age range may be between about 10 and about 100 years of age. 
     As indicated above, the first predetermined insertion range  42  may be a distance from the mouth  12  of the patient  14  to an area within the trachea  20  of the patient  14  at which the first end  16  of the bougie  10  may be positioned for the bougie  10  to aid in intubation of the patient  14  while preventing over-extension of the first end  16  and lung injury. For example, the first predetermined insertion range  42  may be a range for an averaged subset of patients  14  within a group of all possible patients  14 . The first predetermined insertion range  42  may be in part determined based on the first predetermined age range of the patient  14 . It should be understood that the bougie  10  should be inserted to differing insertion ranges where the patient  14  is an adult than if the patient  14  were a child. In at least some embodiments, the first predetermined insertion range  42  may be between about 23 cm and about 33 cm for patients in the first predetermined age range. 
     The second depth indicator  26  may be on the body  22  of the bougie  10  and be spaced a second distance  44  from the second end  28  of the body  22 . The second depth indicator  26  may be configured to indicate a second predetermined depth range  46  such that the second end  28  of the body  22  is positioned a second predetermined insertion range  48  past the mouth  12  of the patient  14  when the body  22  is positioned in the mouth  12  of the patient  14  with the second depth indicator  26 . The second end  28  may be positioned past the vocal cords  18  of the patient  14  when the second depth indicator  26  is positioned in the mouth  12  of the patient  14 . In some embodiments, the second depth indicator  26  may have a first end  50 - 1  and a second end  50 - 2 . The first end  50 - 1  may be indicative of approximately a minimum insertion depth of the second predetermined insertion range  48 . The second end  50 - 2  may be indicative of approximately a maximum insertion depth of the second predetermined insertion range  48 . In some embodiments, the second depth indicator  26  may extend along the body  22  of the bougie  10  a distance between about 5 cm to about 15 cm between the first end  50 - 1  and the second end  50 - 2  of the second depth indicator  26 . 
     In some embodiments, the second depth indicator  26  may be integral to the body  22  of the bougie  10  and formed as a raised section, a lowered section or otherwise textured section, or a plurality of lowered or textured sections similar to the first depth indicator  24 . In some embodiments, the second depth indicator  26  may be a colored section; a text section; a graphical and text section; or a plurality of colored, text, or combination graphical and text sections similar to the first depth indicator  26 . The second depth indicator  26  may also, in some embodiments, a combination of the above described raised sections, lowered sections, textured sections, colored sections, and/or text, similar to the first depth indicator  24  described above. In some embodiments, the second depth indicator  26  may also be connected to or applied to the body  22  of the bougie  10  after the bougie  10  has been formed. 
     In some embodiments, the second depth indicator  26  may be implemented in such a manner as to be visually and/or tactilely distinct from the first depth indicator  24 . For example, the first depth indicator  24  may be formed from a plurality of raised sections, such as a plurality of spaced apart rings, and the second depth indicator  26  may be formed from a textured section, without the plurality of spaced apart rings. By way of a further example, in embodiments where the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  are implemented as colored sections, the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  may be differentially colored. For example, the first depth indicator  24  may be formed from a purple color and the second depth indicator  26  may be formed from a green color. In some embodiments, the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  may be differentiated by distinct text sections, such as text on the first depth indicator  24  indicating a first predetermined age range and text on the second depth indicator  26  indicating a second predetermined age range. 
     The second distance  44  may be a distance between the second end  28  of the body  22  and the first end  50 - 1  of the second depth indicator  26 . The second distance  44  may be measured such that insertion of the second end  28  of the bougie  10  into the mouth  12  of the patient  14  to the first end  50 - 1  of the second depth indicator  26  may be equal to a minimum average insertion depth within the second predetermined insertion range  48 . The minimum average insertion depth may be representative of a low end of the second predetermined insertion range  48 . Similarly, inserting the second end  28  of the bougie  10  into the mouth  12  of the patient  14  to the second end  50 - 2  of the second depth indicator  26  may be equal to a maximum average insertion depth within the second predetermined insertion range  48 . The maximum average insertion depth may be representative of a high end of the second predetermined insertion range  48 . In some embodiments, the second distance  44  may be equal to the first distance  38 , for example in a range from about 13 cm to about 23 cm. The second predetermined depth range  46  may be sized for insertion into the mouth  12  of the patient  14  of a second predetermined age range. In some embodiments, the second predetermined age range may be the same as the first predetermined age range, for example between about 10 and about 100 years of age. 
     In some embodiments the second predetermined age range may be different from the first predetermined age range, and fall outside of or within a subsection of the 10 to 100 year age range. For example, the second predetermined age range may be from 0 to 10 years or from 5 to 10 years, or any other suitable age range. In these embodiments, the second depth indicator  26  may be configured, for example, for use in pediatric patients and the first depth indicator  24  may be configured for use in adult patients. In these embodiments, the second distance  44  may be different from the first distance  38 , and in at least some embodiments, the second distance  44  may be less than the first distance  38 . Where the second depth indicator  26  is configured for a different age range of patients from the first depth indicator  24 , the second depth indicator  26  may be additionally differentiated from the first depth indicator  24  by colorings, markings, text, shape, texture, or other suitable manner in order to assist a user in determining whether to use the first depth indicator  24  or the second depth indicator  26  on the patient  14 . 
     As discussed above with respect to the first predetermined insertion range  42 , the second predetermined insertion range  48  may be a distance from the mouth  12  of the patient  14  to an area within the trachea  20  of the patient  14  at which the second end  28  of the bougie  10  may be positioned for the bougie  10  to aid in intubation of the patient  14  while preventing over-extension of the second end  28  and lung injury. The second predetermined insertion range  48  may be a range for an averaged subset of patients  14  within a group of all possible patients  14 , and may be in part determined based on the second predetermined age range of the patient  14 . In at least some embodiments, the second predetermined insertion range  48  may be the same as the first predetermined insertion range  42 , for example between about 23 cm and about 33 cm for the patient  14  in the second predetermined age range. In some embodiments, the second predetermined insertion range  48  may differ from the first predetermined insertion range  42 , for example, where the second depth indicator  26  is configured to be used on pediatric patients and the first depth indicator  24  is configured to be used on adult patients. In these embodiments, the second predetermined insertion range  48  may be longer or shorter than the first predetermined insertion range  42  and be of a length suitable for use with patients in the second predetermined age range. 
     In some embodiments, the first depth indicator  24  and the second depth indicator  26  may be first and second depth indicators of a plurality of depth indicators. For example, each of the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  may be divided into a plurality of depth indicators with contrasting areas indicative of discrete measurements of the first and second predetermined insertion ranges  42  and  48 , respectively. By way of further example, the contrasting areas, tick marks, differing textures, or other indicators may indicate increasing depth of the first and second predetermined insertion ranges  42  and  48  in centimeter increments. 
     In some embodiments, where the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  are first and second depth indicators of the plurality of depth indicators, the bougie  10  may include a third depth indicator  51  which may be used to indicate an unsafe insertion depth of either the first end  16  or the second end  28  of the bougie  10 . The third depth indicator  51  may extend between the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  along the body  22  of the bougie  10 . For example, the third depth indicator  51  may extend a length  52  between the second end  43 - 1  of the first depth indicator  24  and the second end  50 - 2  of the second depth indicator  26 . In some embodiments, the length  52  may be between about 4 cm and about 14 cm. The length  52  of the third depth indicator  51  may depend on the length  34  of the bougie  10 , the length of the first depth indicator  24 , the length of the second depth indicator  26 , the first predetermined insertion range  42 , and/or the second predetermined insertion range  48 . The third depth indicator  51  may formed similarly to the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26 , and may be formed in a manner so as to differentiate the third depth indicator  51  from the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26 . For example, the third depth indicator  51  may be formed from a differing color than the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26 ; may have text indicating unsafe insertion, such as “unsafe” or “stop”; may have a texture or physical configuration differing from the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26 ; or combinations thereof. By way of further example, the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  may be colored green while the third depth indicator  51  may be colored red. 
     In some embodiments, the bougie  10  may be configured for a single use and to be disposed after that use by being made of a material that cannot be disinfected reliably after use. Examples of such materials include cork, some plastics, some rubbers, and other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the bougie  10  is configured to be reusable. In these embodiments, the bougie  10  may be disinfected after use on the patient  14 , prior to being used in another patient. 
     In some embodiments, the bougie  10  may be formed via injection molding, 3-D printing, molding, extrusion, thermoforming, casting, and other suitable processes. In some embodiments, the bougie  10  may be made by a method performed by forming the bougie  10  having the body  22 , the first depth indicator  24  on the body  22 , and the second depth indicator  26  on the body  22 . In these embodiments, the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  are formed contemporaneously to the body  22  of the bougie  10 . The first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  and the body  22  of the bougie  10  may be implemented as described above. 
     In some embodiments, the bougie  10  may be made by a method performed by forming the first depth indicator  24  on the body  22  of the bougie  10  spaced the first distance  38  from the first end  16  of the body  22 , and forming the second depth indicator  26  on the body  22  of the bougie  10  spaced the second distance  44  from the second end  28  of the body  22 . In some embodiments, the first and second depth indicators  24  and  26  may be formed on the body  22  of the bougie  10  after the body  22  of the bougie  10  has been formed. In some embodiments, the first depth indicator  24  may be formed on the body  22  of the bougie  10  prior to the second depth indicator  26  being formed or vice versa. In some other embodiments, the second depth indicator  26  may be formed on the body  22  of the bougie  10  at a time substantially contemporaneous with the first depth indicator  26 . The first depth indicator  24 , the second depth indicator  26 , and the body  22  of the bougie  10  may be implemented similarly or the same as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  3 - 1 - 3 - 5   , in use, the bougie  10  may be used by a user inserting a laryngoscope  55  into the mouth  12  of the patient  14  to visualize the vocal cords  18 , as shown in  FIG.  3 - 1   . The method is further performed by the user obtaining the bougie  10 , and determining whether the first predetermined insertion range  42  or the second predetermined insertion range  48  is appropriate for a particular patient, such as the patient  14 . After determining whether the first or second predetermined insertion range  42  or  48  is appropriate, the method may further be performed by performing at least one of the following actions. The first end  16  of the body  22  may be inserted into the mouth  12  of the patient  14  responsive to the determination that the first predetermined insertion range  42  is appropriate for the particular patient  14 , as shown in  FIG.  3 - 2   . The second end  28  of the body  22  may be inserted into the mouth  12  of the patient  14  responsive to the determination that the second predetermined insertion range  48  is appropriate for the particular patient  14 . In some embodiments, the insertion range for the patient  14  may be determined by an age range of the patient  14 . As noted above, determining which of the first and second predetermined insertion ranges  42  and  48  corresponds to the insertion range may be based on the first predetermined age range for the first predetermined insertion range  42  and the second predetermined age range for the second predetermined insertion range  48 . 
     After inserting either the first or second end  16  or  28  of the body  22  into the mouth  12  of the patient  14 , the first or second end  16  or  28  may be passed through the mouth  12  of the patient  14  and past the vocal cords  18  of the patient  14 , as shown in  FIG.  3 - 2   . The user may determine the insertion depth of the first or second end  16  or  28  the first or second depth indicator  24  or  26 , respectively. Additionally, the user may verify the insertion depth by tactile feedback from the first or second end  16  or  28  contacting one or more of a plurality of tracheal rings  54 . After the bougie  10  has been inserted into the trachea  20  of the patient  14 , the laryngoscope  55  may be removed and the bougie  10  left in place. In some embodiments, after insertion of the bougie  10  into the trachea  20  of the patient  14  and removal of the laryngoscope  55 , an endotracheal tube  56  may be extended into the trachea  20  of the patient  14  around the bougie  10 , as shown in  FIG.  3 - 3   . The endotracheal tube  56  may then be positioned such that a first end  58  of the endotracheal tube  56  is positioned in the trachea  20  of the patient  14 , as shown in  FIG.  3 - 4   . In these embodiments, the bougie  10  may be removed after placement of the endotracheal tube  56 , as shown in  FIG.  3 - 5   . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , in some embodiments, the bougie  10  may be provided in a kit  60 . The kit  60  may include the bougie  10 , implemented as described above, and the laryngoscope  55 . The bougie  10 , included in the kit  60 , may be packaged in a curled, wound, or otherwise collapsed form to save space within packaging for the kit  60  and extend to the length described above once removed from the packaging. In some embodiments, the bougie  10  may be curled, wound, or otherwise collapsed and packaged in a size and configuration sufficient to be stored in a pocket, for example. 
     As shown, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  4   , the kit  60  may include the bougie  10 , the laryngoscope  55  and the endotracheal tube  56 . In some embodiments, the kit  60  may be provided in a container  63 , such as a box, a disposable box, a bag, a disposable bag, or other suitable container. The container  63  may keep the bougie  10 , the laryngoscope  55 , and the endotracheal tube  56  together for use in emergency situations, or other appropriate instants of use. For example, the container  63  may contain the kit  60  in supply rooms of hospitals or clinics, ambulances, or other suitable locations. 
     In some embodiments, the kit  60  may additionally include one or more suction catheter, and/or one or more tools or instruments for manipulating the larynx. For example, the kit  60  may include a rigid suction instrument, capable of reaching beyond the length of the laryngoscope  55 ; grasping forceps, capable of reaching beyond the length of the laryngoscope  55  to dislodge a foreign body within the throat or take a biopsy of the larynx, pharynx or trachea  20  or other areas of the upper aerodigestive tract; a rigid angled hook, capable of reaching beyond the length of the laryngoscope  55  to dislodge a foreign body within the trachea  20 ; the laryngoscope  55  with side channel ventilation ports to allow ventilation of the patient  14  through the laryngoscope  55 ; the endotracheal tube  56 ; and/or other suitable instruments and/or tools. The instruments included in the kit  60  may be formed from metal, plastics, or any of the materials discussed above or below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  5 - 1 , and  5 - 2   , the laryngoscope  55  may be implemented as any laryngoscope suitable to aid in the placement of the bougie  10  through the mouth  12  and into the trachea  20  of the patient  14 , including standard curved blade laryngoscopes. In some embodiments, the laryngoscope  55  may include a handle assembly  64 , a cylindrical tube  66 , and an optical subassembly  68  extending between the handle assembly  64  and the cylindrical tube  66 . The cylindrical tube  66 , the handle assembly  64 , and the optical subassembly  68  can be a unitary construction or of separate construction as shown in  FIG.  5 - 1   . Further, the cylindrical tube  66 , the handle assembly  64 , and the optical subassembly  68  may be constructed of a disposable material, such as metal, plastics, Silastic® (available from Dow Corning®, Midland, Mich., U.S.A.), pyrex (glass) (Corning inc) polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or other suitable materials or combinations thereof, 
     The handle assembly  64  may have a distal end  70  and a proximal end  72  which is removably secured to the optical subassembly  68 . The handle assembly  64  may have a bent configuration or a straight configuration as illustrated in  FIG.  4   . 
     The cylindrical tube  66  may have a distal end  74  having a distal end opening  76  and a proximal end  78  having a proximal end opening  80 . The proximal end  78  may be removably secured to the optical subassembly  68 . The distal end opening  76  may be oriented at an angle relative to a vertical cross sectional plane of the cylindrical tube  66 . The angling of the distal end opening  76  may aid in the insertion of the cylindrical tube  66  into the patient&#39;s  14  mouth  12  and throat. The cylindrical tube  66  may have an outer surface  77 - 1  and an inner surface  77 - 2  with a thickness  79  therebetween. The inner surface  77 - 2  may define an open passage, known as a lumen  81 , which extends the length of the cylindrical tube  66 . The distal end opening  76  may provide access to the lumen  81  and the proximal end opening  80  may also provide access to the lumen  81 . As such, the cylindrical tube  66  may be hollow and allow the user to view inside the patient&#39;s  14  mouth  12  and throat. 
     The proximal end  78  of the cylindrical tube  66  may be secured to the proximal end  72  of the handle assembly  64 . The connection of the cylindrical tube  66  and the handle assembly  64  may be of a unitary construction or of separate construction. 
     The cylindrical tube  66  may be rigid and may be made of a suitable metal, a transparent material, a translucent material, a disposable material, a non-translucent material, or combination thereof. The use of transparent and/or translucent material can aid with the illumination of the entire cylindrical tube  66  along its length, where the light  88  emanating from the end  90  of the light carrier  86  propagates into the translucent material to illuminate the entire cylindrical tube  66 . This is useful in situations where blood or other items can hinder the ability to view the interior of the patient&#39;s  14  mouth  12  and/or throat. The laryngoscope  55  may be of different lengths and widths so long as the first, second, and third depth indicators  24 ,  26 , and  51  take into account the length of the laryngoscope to accurately position the first end  16  or the second end  28  past the vocal cord  18  of the patient  14 . 
     In some embodiments, the optical subassembly  68  may include a light source  82  located within the handle assembly  64 , a power source  84  located within the handle assembly  64  and in communication with the light source  82 . In some embodiments, the optical subassembly  68  may have a light source housing  83 , which may be removably secured to the cylindrical tube  66  such that the outer surface of the optical subassembly  68  is continuous with the outer surface  77 - 1 . The optical subassembly  68  may have an opening  85  that extends the length of the optical subassembly  68  and that corresponds to the lumen  81 . The opening  85  allows for the proper placement of the cylindrical tube  66 . A user may peer into the opening  85  and look through the lumen  81  and through the distal end opening  76  to see inside the patient&#39;s  14  mouth  12  and trachea  20 . The power source  84  may include known power sources including batteries. In some embodiments, a light carrier  86  may be included in the light source housing  83  or within the handle assembly  64  and may extend into the cylindrical tube  66 . The light carrier  86  is in communication with the light source  82 . The light carrier  86  may include fiber optic cables, light emitting diodes (LEDs), ring of light emitting diodes, or other light sources that may project sufficient light into and through the cylindrical tube  66 . The light carrier  86  terminates within the cylindrical tube  66 . Light  88  emanates from an end  90  of the light carrier  86 . A first portion of the light  88  may exit an interior of the cylindrical tube  66  via the distal opening  76  and a second portion of the light  88  may propagate into the cylindrical tube  66  to illuminate the cylindrical tube  66 , where the cylindrical tube  66  is made of a translucent material. The light  88  illuminates the interior of the cylindrical tube  66  thereby aiding the user of the laryngoscope  55  in placing the laryngoscope  55  within the mouth  12  and throat of the patient  14 . Although shown as a circular light source  82 , the light source  82  may be implemented in other configurations. 
     In some embodiments, the light source  82  may be located around the circumference of the cylindrical tube  66  at or near the proximal end  78 . For example, the light source  82  may be a plurality of light sources  82  located at distinct points, separated a distance apart, along the circumference of the cylindrical tube  66 . By way of further example, as shown in  FIG.  5 - 2   , fiber optic lines  91  may extend from the light source  82  or the plurality of light sources  82  and through the thickness  79  of the cylindrical tube  66  between the outer surface  77 - 1  and the inner surface  77 - 2 . The fiber optic lines  91  allow light to illuminate the outer surface  77 - 1  and/or inner surface  77 - 2 , along the lumen  81  and along the length of the cylindrical tube  66 . In either event, the light  88  from the light source  82  may travel along the length of the cylindrical tube  66  illuminating the outer surface  77 - 1  and/or the inner surface  77 - 2  of the cylindrical tube  66 . The light  88  may aid the user in visualizing the larynx despite obstructions such as blood and vomit. The light  88  may also illuminate the circumference of the lumen  81  of the cylindrical tube  66 . 
     The laryngoscope  55  may be disposable (or single use), allowing its inclusion with the bougie  10  and a suction catheter into an emergency airway kit, such as the kit  60 , to be used by emergency medical services inside as well as outside of a medical (hospital) facility. 
     In some embodiments, once the laryngoscope  55  is placed within the patient&#39;s  14  throat, various devices, including a suction tube or the bougie  10 , may be inserted through the cylindrical tube  66  into the patient&#39;s  14  trachea  20 . When the bougie  10  is inserted, the cylindrical tube  66  may then be removed by sliding the cylindrical tube  66  along the bougie  10 , leaving the bougie  10  in place. The bougie  10  may then act as a guide for the placement of additional devices such as the endotracheal tube  56  to aid the patient  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4  and  6   , in some embodiments, the kit  60  may additionally include the endotracheal tube  56 . The endotracheal tube  56  may include a tubular member  90  with the first end  58 , a second end  92 , and a sidewall  94  extending between the first and second ends  58  and  92 . The sidewall  94  may have an inner surface  96  and an outer surface  98 . The inner surface  96  may define a void  100  sized and dimensioned to receive the body  22  of the bougie  10 . The tubular member  90  may be constructed of a flexible and non-immunogenic material, such as those described above in relation to the bougie  10 . In some embodiments, the endotracheal tube  56  may also be provided with an inflatable cuff proximate to the first end  58  and a side tube in fluid communication with the inflatable cuff which may be used to inflate and/or deflate the inflatable cuff. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  7   , therein shown is a bougie  102 , in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The bougie  102  may be used to assist in ventilation of the patient  14  where other options for ventilation are limited or unavailable. The bougie  102  may be implemented substantially similar to the bougie  10 ; however, the bougie  102  may additionally include a ventilation channel  104  extending between the first end  16  and the second end  28 . The ventilation channel  104  may be defined by the body  22  with at least one first opening  106  proximate to the first end  16  and at least one second opening  108  proximate to the second end  28 . The ventilation channel  104  may be sized and configured to enable ventilation of the patient  14  by air passage through the body  22  of the bougie  102 . In some embodiments, the first end  16  or the second end  28  may additionally be configured to connect the bougie  102  to an intubation device or an air or other gas flow. For example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the first end  16  may be configured to be connected to an anesthetic machine, a ventilation bag, or other device via an adapter  110 . 
     The adapter  110  may include a body  112  having a first end  114  and a second end  116 , a first connection member  118  proximate to the first end  114  of the body  112 , a second connection member  120  proximate to the second end  116  of the body  112 , and a shoulder  121  separating the first connection member  118  from the second connection member  120 . The body  112  may also define a cavity  122  proximate to the second end  116  and extending from the shoulder  121  toward the second end  116 . The adapter  110  may be formed from plastic, rubber, steel, or any other sterilizable material suitable for use in medical devices, similar to those described above. The material forming the adapter  110  may additionally be capable of enabling a sealing relationship between a ventilation device, the adapter  110 , and the bougie  102 , as will be explained in more detail below. 
     The first connection member  118  may be configured to receive the first end  16  of the bougie  102 , so as to mechanically connect the first end  16  of the bougie  102  to the body  112  of the adapter  110 . In some embodiments, the mechanical connection of the first connection member  118  may form a sealing relationship between the bougie  102  and the body  112  of the adapter  110 . The second connection member  120  may be configured to mechanically connect a portion of a ventilation device to the body  112  of the adapter  110 . The ventilation device may be an air flow hose, a respiratory ventilator, a fitting of a bag-valve mask ventilator, an anesthetic machine, or any other suitable ventilation device, for example. In some embodiments, the mechanical connection of the second connection member  120  may form a sealing relationship between the ventilation device and the body  112  of the adapter  110 . 
     In some embodiments, first connection member  118  may be implemented as a luer lock, a friction fit, a threaded connection member, a clamp, or any other suitable mechanical connection mechanism. Similarly, the second connection member  120  may be a friction fit, a luer lock, a threaded connector, a clamp, or any other suitable mechanical connection mechanism. In at least some embodiments, the second connection member  120  is larger in diameter than the first connection member  118 . 
     The shoulder  121  may function to limit a connection depth of the ventilation device to the body  112  to prevent the second end  116  from being inserted too far into the ventilation device. The shoulder  121  may also function to provide lateral support for the cavity  122  and the second connection member  120  in embodiments where the cavity  122  and the second connection member  120  are larger in diameter than the first end  114  and the first connection member  118 . 
     The first end  114  and the second end  116  of the body  112  may be in fluid communication via a passage  124  such that the cavity  122  may receive air or other gasses from a ventilation device connected to the second connection member  120 . The passage  124  may then allow transfer of the air or other gasses to the first end  114  of the body  112  and to the bougie  102  connected to the first connection member  118 . As such, a gas flow path may be established from the ventilation device, through the adapter  110 , into the at least one first opening  106  of the bougie  102 , through the ventilation channel  104 , and out of the at least one second opening  108  of the bougie  102 . In this manner, the patient  14  may be ventilated via the combination of the ventilation device, the adapter  110 , and the bougie  102  acting in cooperation. 
     In some embodiments, the adapter  110  may be included in a kit with the bougie  102 . For example, the adapter  110  may be included in the kit  60  along with the bougie  102 , the laryngoscope  55  and the endotracheal tube  56 . In some embodiments, the kit  60  may include, along with the adapter  110  and the bougie  102 , one or more suction catheter, and/or one or more tools or instruments for manipulating the larynx, as described above. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in the details of construction and the arrangement of components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled.