The Difficult Airway

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Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)

The LMA is a blind airway insertion device that comes in a range of sizes to fit pediatric and adult patients.  It is the airway of choice within the controlled settings of a hospital.  When properly placed the LMA rests on the supra-esophageal sphincter.  In a prehospital environment there is a lot of movement of the patient and pressure off of the supra-esophageal sphincter can lead to vomiting and aspiration.  Depending on the type and style of LMA it may be used as a conduit for a tracheal tube or bougie.


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