Ultrasound of the Airway: A Comprehensive Review

Ultrasound is a portable, non-invasive mode of assessment for the airway, which can be very valuable.It helps in the identification of the sonoanatomy of the upper airway as well as its surrounding structures.Understanding this sono-anatomy and its application facilitates management in difficult airway situations such as difficult intubation (placement and depth), evaluation of airway size, performance of percutaneous needle cricothyroidotomy and tracheostomy under ultrasound guidance, prediction of post-extubation stridor, and detecting upper airway pathologies.It has tremendous value, where physical examination has limitations in the emergency suite, critical care unit, or the operating room, where access to the airway is paramount.This review article aims to provide a concise overview of airway management using ultrasound.