Laryngeal mask airway
Laryngeal Mask Airway
The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) /lærɪnˈdʒiːəl mɑːsk ˈeərweɪ/ is a medical device designed to secure a patient's airway during anesthesia or emergency situations. The term "Laryngeal Mask Airway" is derived from the Greek word "larynx" which means "throat", and the Latin word "masca" which means "mask".
History
The LMA was invented by British Anesthesiologist Dr. Archie Brain in the early 1980s, and it has since become a staple in the field of anesthesiology.
Design and Function
The LMA consists of a tube with a cuff at one end that is inserted into the patient's throat. The cuff inflates to form a seal around the larynx (voice box), allowing for the passage of oxygen and anesthetic gases, while preventing the entry of stomach contents into the lungs.
Usage
The LMA is commonly used in surgeries where endotracheal intubation is not required. It is also used in emergency situations when endotracheal intubation is not possible.
Related Terms
- Endotracheal tube: A tube inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to maintain an open airway.
- Anesthesia: A state of controlled, temporary loss of sensation or awareness.
- Larynx: The hollow muscular organ forming an air passage to the lungs and holding the vocal cords.
- Intubation: The process of inserting a tube, called an endotracheal tube (ET), through the mouth and then into the airway.
See Also
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