The laryngeal mask airway: A comprehensive review for the emergency physician

The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA(TM))was developed in the 1980s, but has only recently begun to be used in Emergency Medicine. The LMA affords effective assisted ventilation without requiring endotracheal intubation or visualiz ation of the glottis, In doing so, it is more efficacious than a bag-valve- mask apparatus, although the risk of aspiration of gastric contents persist s, particularly if the device is not properly plated, The LMA also has sign ificant potential utility in management of the difficult airway. Most repor ted clinical experience with the LMA has come from the operating room. This article provides an overview of the extensive potential utility of the LMA in the Emergency Department and prehospital settings as well as a comprehe nsive review of the pertinent advantages, disadvantages, and complications associated with its use. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc.