Laryngeal mask airway

Laryngeal Mask Airway

The Laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a type of supraglottic airway device used in anesthesia and emergency medicine for airway management. It is a flexible tube with an inflatable cuff that is inserted into the pharynx, allowing for ventilation, oxygenation, and administration of anesthetic gases, without the need for tracheal intubation.

History

The LMA was invented by British anesthesiologist Dr. Archie Brain in the early 1980s, following extensive research and clinical testing. It was first used in the United Kingdom in 1988 and has since become an essential tool in the field of anesthesia and emergency medicine.

Design and Function

The LMA consists of a tube with a cuff at the end, which is inflated to create a seal around the laryngeal inlet, allowing for ventilation without air leakage. The other end of the tube connects to an anesthesia machine or bag-valve-mask device, providing a clear airway for the passage of oxygen and anesthetic gases.

The LMA is available in several sizes, suitable for patients from neonates to large adults. Some versions of the LMA include a separate channel for gastric decompression or the administration of drugs.

Indications and Contraindications

The LMA is indicated for use in general anesthesia where tracheal intubation is not required, and in emergency situations where tracheal intubation is not possible or contraindicated. It is also used in the management of difficult airways, such as in patients with anatomical abnormalities or obesity.

Contraindications for LMA use include patients with a full stomach or those at risk of aspiration, as the LMA does not protect against aspiration of stomach contents. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe upper airway obstruction.

Complications

While the LMA is generally considered safe and effective, complications can occur. These may include minor complications such as sore throat, hoarseness, and minor trauma to the airway. More serious complications include aspiration, failure to achieve adequate ventilation, and trauma to the larynx or pharynx.

See Also

• Endotracheal tube
• Tracheostomy
• Airway management
• Anesthesia