The LMA is an apparently non-invasive airway device. As the name suggests it is a laryngeal mask and forms an end to end connection with the trachea. Modern LMAs can form a seal capable of >20cm of water but are still susceptible to leakage, particularly if sized wrong.
The LMA was invented some time in the late 20th century by Dr Archie Bain and was trialled during the 1980s with great success. His first factory produced masks arrived in December of 1987 and by 1992 they were even on sale in New Zealand (and a large part of the rest of the word).
Advantages to an LMA
- Easy to place
- Less invasive and less likely to cause damage
- Do not require laryngoscopy
- Do not require paralysis
Naturally, because the LMA does not completely seal off the trachea, there is still a potential risk of aspiration. Lots of the new masks have all kinds of clever things that may or may not work to reduce this problem. Also included in some masks are passages to allow passage of nasogastric or endotracheal tubes.
Further reading
- Simon LV, Torp KD. Laryngeal Mask Airway. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. Link