Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA): A Review

Abstract:Laryngeal Mask Airway is in use since last 25 years. A number of variants available are classic, reinforced, soft seal, La Premiere, intubating, ctrach and proseal. Details of all are described.

Key Words: Laryngeal Mask Airway; difficult airway; difficult intubation; supraglottic device; airway management

Although endotracheal tube (ETT) has been the most used device for managing the airway, availability of supraglottic devices has given an alternative for managing the airway. The classic laryngeal mask airway was introduced in 1988 and rapidly transformed the way in which anaesthesia is practiced throughout the world. It has been nearly 25 years since Dr. Archie Brain in the United Kingdom introduced the first true supraglottic airway device – the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA). It has been the most used and studied supra glottis device.

One should use the appropriate size of the airway, relative to patient weight and not exceed recommended cuff volume.

Articles