Airway and Endotracheal Tubes: Role of POCUS

Airway ultrasound forms an integral part of the Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), providing valuable real-time information that supports airway evaluation and management in critically ill patients. POCUS of the airway helps in the airway assessment for difficult laryngoscopy and intubation, confirmation of endotracheal tube (ETT) position, determination of ETT size especially in paediatric patients, identification of the cricothyroid membrane for cricothyrotomy, prediction of postextubation stridor and guidance during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. Despite its undeniable utility, airway POCUS has a considerable learning curve and requires structured training and practice. The integration of airway POCUS protocols into the bedside examination of critically ill patients will help to optimise patient safety and outcomes.