Introduction

Stylets assist with tube delivery. In head to head comparisons of intubations with and without stylets, stylets are the winner and will likely improve your first pass success. Yes, there are other tube delivery or tracheal access devices out there: bougie’s and other next generation tube introducers are evolving and changing our thinking on the best way to deliver that tube, but for now stylets are standard operating procedure for most clinicians.

Despite the ubiquitous nature of stylets, they are often overlooked as an airway tool independently, with unique features and best practices. So we decided to cover them here for you. Take a moment to review this content, then head over to one of our self-guided practice installations for some hands on training.

Rapid Review – Optimal stylet shaping

Real time too slow for you? Only have a few minutes on your break for some learning? Just need a quick hit refresher? Watch this first! We give you learning here in under a minute Then, when you have time scroll down for all the rest.

Stylet Shaping 101

Time to get into it and learn how to shape that tube with the straight to cuff technique. This is our go to shaping style and we will show you the details of how to do it right.

Stylet Shaping explained

Now let’s take a look at why this tube shaping technique using a stylet is so important, and how it will help you during laryngoscopy to deliver that tube and improve your first pass success.

Build Your EBM learning network

Looking for evidence based FOAM resources? We like The Bottom Line as another way to build your learning network. Check out this post on the STYLETO trial and evidence that stylets can improve your first pass success.