Laryngeal Mask Airway

A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a specialized ventilation device featuring a flat, elongated cuff at the distal end of the tube, large enough to cover the laryngeal inlet. It is widely used in clinical general anesthesia for airway management and was originally designed to bridge the gap between a face mask and an endotracheal tube.
The laryngeal mask allows for ventilation, oxygenation, and the administration of anesthetic gases, providing an effective and secure means of establishing an airway during general anesthesia.
It serves as an alternative to both face masks and endotracheal tubes, and its use has expanded rapidly in recent years—particularly for outpatient and short procedures, where it helps avoid the need for tracheal intubation and reduces patient discomfort.