Endotracheal Intubation in a Difficult Neonatal Airway: A Case Report of a 16-Gauge Intravenous Catheter for Use as an Intubating Stylet

Neonatal airways present unique management challenges that can be compounded by limitations of an underresourced facility. While little clinical data exist on the safety and efficacy of stylet use, they are commonly utilized to facilitate endotracheal intubation in neonates and anticipated difficult airways. As pediatric airway equipment is often understocked in hospitals, innovative thinking can provide creative solutions to these shortages. We present the use of a 16-gauge intravenous catheter as an intubating stylet for a 2.0-millimeter endotracheal tube in the management of a difficult airway in the neonatal intensive care unit.