What is a common use for the stylet in surgical procedures?

The stylet is commonly used to maintain rigidity of catheters during surgical procedures. It is a slender, rigid tool that can be inserted into flexible tubing, such as catheters or feeding tubes, to help them retain their shape during insertion. This rigidity is particularly important when navigating through challenging anatomical pathways or when the catheter needs to reach a specific location with precision. By maintaining the structure of the catheter while avoiding kinking or bending, the stylet ensures a smoother insertion process and minimizes the risk of complications.

In surgical environments, achieving precise placements of devices is crucial, and the stylet plays an essential role in enabling this by providing the necessary structural support when navigating the vasculature or other delicate areas within the body.