CARLSBAD, Calif., May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- For over 30 years, Smiths Medical has manufactured the reusable tracheal tube introducer -- known as the gum elastic bougie -- considered to be the gold standard for difficult airways grades 2B, 2, and 4. Smiths Medical now proudly announces the launch of the single-use bougie to mirror the same reliable performance you experience with our reusable version. Benefits such as superior memory and good flexibility are just a few of the advantages you will find with the newly designed single-use bougie.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060110/LATU096LOGO)

There are other features unique to this single-use tracheal tube introducer. Because it is disposable, it will help reduce the risk of cross contamination. The bougie includes graduated markings that help identify landmarks more easily, and has been manufactured in the Portex(R) Ivory color to distinguish it from the re-usable bougie. For added versatility, the bougie is longer than the reusable product; offering an additional 100mm (4 in). In an effort to help healthcare professionals provide better patient outcomes, Smiths Medical's single-use bougie also has an atraumatic coude tip that assists in identifying tracheal rings while minimizing the potential risk of trauma.

"The launch of this new single-use bougie adds to our already comprehensive General Anesthesia portfolio," said Jim Cobb, Smiths Medical's Director of Marketing for Critical Care. "The addition of this new device enables us to better serve our customers by providing a wider variety of products to accommodate their needs."

About Smiths Medical

Smiths Medical is a clinically-focused global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of medical devices used for a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, and surgical procedures. The company's portfolio includes airway management, pain management, temperature management systems, infusion systems, implantable access systems, safety I.V. catheters, critical care monitoring, and insulin delivery systems. This product range offers customers clinical and economical advantages backed by experience, innovation, and value-added services, including extensive product training and support. For more information, please visit http://www.smiths-medical.com/.

Media Contact Eileen Lane Vice President of Global Marketing 2231 Rutherford Road Carlsbad, CA 92008 USA Phone +1 (760) 602-4408 Email Eileen.Lane@smiths-medical.com

CONTACT: Eileen Lane, Vice President of Global Marketing of Smiths
Medical, +1-760-602-4408, Eileen.Lane@smiths-medical.com

Web site: http://www.smiths-medical.com/