Airway  ultrasound: point of care in children - the time is now.

This article outlines the many benefits, and some limitations, of this technology in the clinical and perioperative setting. Ultrasound assessment of the airway may provide the clinician with valuable information that is specific to the individual airway static and dynamic anatomy of the patient. Ultrasound can help identify vocal cord dysfunction and pathology, assess airway size, predict the appropriate diameter of endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes, differentiate tracheal from esophageal intubation, localize the cricothyroid membrane for emergency airway access and identify tracheal rings for US-guided tracheostomy. Ultrasonography is also a great tool for the intra-operative diagnosis of a pneumothorax, the visualisation of the movement of the diaphragms as well as quantifying the amount of gastric content. Ultrasonography signs, tips and pearls that allow these diagnoses are highlighted. The major disadvantage of ultrasonography remains inter-observer variability, and operator-dependence, as it requires specific training and experience. Although it is not standard of care yet, there is significant potential for the integration of ultrasound technology into the routine care of the airway. PMID: 31901216 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Paediatric Anaesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Paediatr Anaesth Source Type: research