Clinical roles of point-of-care ultrasonography in airway management

Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) has emerged as a valuable tool in airway management, providing real-time visualization of airway anatomy with significant advantages in both routine and emergency settings. This review highlights key ultrasonographic techniques, anatomical landmarks, and clinical evidence supporting the growing role of POCUS in modern airway management. It also outlines the clinical applications of POCUS, including prediction of difficult airways and real-time guidance during emergency procedures such as cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy. In non-operating room anesthesia and emergency settings, POCUS enables rapid, portable assessment and facilitates aspiration risk evaluation through gastric ultrasonography, particularly in patients with delayed gastric emptying or unknown fasting status. Pediatric-specific applications-such as selection of the appropriate endotracheal tube size, confirmation of tube depth, and detection of supraglottic airway malposition-are also discussed. As airway challenges persist despite technological progress, integrating POCUS into airway management protocols enhances patient safety, reduces complications, and supports individualized approaches to airway management.