The increasing complexity of airway management, particularly in high-stakes or emergency settings, demands a holistic approach that accounts not only for technical skill but also for the systems in which clinicians operate. Advances in airway devices such as videolaryngoscopes, videolaryngeal mask airways, flexible intubation scopes, combined techniques, and single-use technologies offer new opportunities for improving outcomes-but also introduce new challenges. This article explores the intersection of human factors and the implementation of new airway devices, using a systems-based lens informed by the SEIPS 3.0 framework. Drawing on recent guidelines, real-world case studies, and design principles, we examine how technological changes affect team dynamics, decision-making, equipment layout, and cognitive load. We also highlight the importance of standardized processes, training, and environmental design in mitigating risk and enhancing performance. Ultimately, we propose actionable strategies to integrate human factors into airway device adoption to improve both patient safety and clinician well-being. This review underscores the fact that embedding human factor principles into the adoption and use of airway technologies is essential to build safer, more resilient, and team-centered airway management systems.

Anaesthesiology Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD 4102 Australia

Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine University Hospital Complex of A Coruña 15006 A Coruña Spain

Clinical Management Section of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology Resuscitation and Pain Therapy 28003 Madrid Spain

Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Medical University of Lodz 90 153 Lodz Poland

Science Research and Education General University Hospital Prague 128 08 Prague Czech Republic

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