Published online Nov 16, 2015. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v3.i11.926
Peer-review started: March 3, 2015
First decision: July 10, 2015
Revised: August 14, 2015
Accepted: September 25, 2015
Article in press: September 28, 2015
Published online: November 16, 2015
Core tip: Airway evaluation and its’ management is conventionally based on clinical examination and radiological imaging. They remain static and do not provide dynamic airway management option. Visualized procedures like ultrasound (US) provide point of care real time dynamic views of the airway in perioperative, emergency and critical care settings. US also aids in detecting gastric contents and the nature of gastric contents (clear fluid, thick turbid or solid). This detection is important for preventing complication of aspiration during airway management. The ultrasonography has brought a paradigm shift in the practise of airway management. With increasing awareness, portability, accessibility and further sophistication in technology, it is likely to find a place in routine airway management. We are not far from the time when all of us will be carrying a pocket US machine like stethoscopes to corroborate our clinical findings at point of care.