Journal of Acute Care

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VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 3 ( September-December, 2024 ) > List of Articles

REVIEW ARTICLE

Airway Ultrasound: A Review

Nadikuda Sunil Kumar, Venkat R Kola, Prathibha Gowda Aswathappa

Keywords : Airway management, Airway ultrasound, Cricothyroid membrane, Hyomental distance, Point-of-care ultrasound

Citation Information : Kumar NS, Kola VR, Aswathappa PG. Airway Ultrasound: A Review. J Acute Care 2024; 3 (3):151-158.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10089-0139

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 15-01-2025

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).


Abstract

Upper airway is a complex anatomic structure. Anticipating, preparing, and managing a difficult airway is crucial in operating rooms and intensive care units (ICU). Difficult airway management is the most essential skill among anesthesiologists and critical care physicians. Airway ultrasound (AWUS) has become an inherent part of the armamentarium for managing difficult airway. AWUS is utilized for understanding sonoanatomy of the upper airway, anticipating difficult airway prior to intubation, helping in real-time monitoring of the intubation process, screening prior to airway procedures, and preextubation airway assessment. AWUS has added a new bedside dimension to difficult airway management, performing airway procedures with great accuracy in detecting and troubleshooting complications promptly.


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