Clinical Application and Technological Advances of Tracheal Intubation in the Lateral Position: A Narrative Review.

Securing an airway through tracheal intubation is crucial in clinical anesthesia and emergency medicine. However, lateral position surgeries or emergency intubation bring extra challenges, such as tricky airways, accidental tube displacement, and complications associated with a patient's positional adjustment under anesthesia. Intubating in the lateral position effectively addresses these challenges by matching the individual's posture to the procedural demands. This review systematically examines the technical characteristics, clinical applications, method selection, equipment choice, and current innovations in lateral-position tracheal intubation. It focuses on exploring its strength in complex and specialized cases and analyzing the limitations and potential improvements in current practices. This review aims to provide healthcare professionals with comprehensive theoretical insights and practical guidance, further promoting the application and widespread adoption of tracheal intubation in the lateral position in clinical settings.