There is a great need for disruptive technology to enhance the success rate of endotracheal intubation (ETI) procedures. Complications frequently occur not only with difficult airway patients, but with patients with trauma and those with no apparent anatomical challenges. Complications occur with military casualties, both prior to and after arrival at Combat Support Hospitals, and in austere and remote environments. Similar complications occur in civilian hospital emergency and surgery settings. Complications can occur with less experienced medics and operators, as well as with seasoned anesthesiologists in the operating room. Wolf has engineered and developed a revolutionary stylet, in partnership with Dr. Andrew Harrity, Medical Director of Obstetric Anesthesia at Community Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana that ameliorates the problems with difficult airway intubation. The Omni-Steer stylet features a semi-rigid but flexible bougie with a soft, steerable tip capable of 360-degree articulation that facilitates navigation of the stylet through the vocal folds and into the trachea. Endotracheal tube retention is integrated into the stylet for easy advancement of the ETT into the patient. The low-cost, disposable, device has been demonstrated by various civilian operators, who have given feedback that has enhanced performance, usability, intuitiveness, and autonomy of use.
