laryngeal mask airway (LMA) — also known as laryngeal mask— is a medical device that keeps a patient’s airway open during anaesthesia or unconsciousness. It is a type of supraglottic airway device.
A laryngeal mask is composed of an airway tube that connects to an elliptical mask with a cuff which is inserted through the patient’s mouth, down the windpipe, and once deployed forms an airtight seal on top the glottis (unlike tracheal tubes which pass through the glottis) allowing a secure airway to be managed by a health care provider.
They are most commonly used by anaesthetists to channel oxygen or anaesthesia gas to a patient’s lungs during surgery and in the pre-hospital setting (for instance by paramedics and emergency medical technicians) for unconscious patients.
A laryngeal mask has an airway tube that connects to an elliptical mask with a cuff. The cuff can either be of the inflating type (achieved after insertion using a syringe of air), or self-sealing. Once inserted correctly (and the cuff inflated where relevant) the mask conforms to the anatomy with the bowl of the mask facing the space between the vocal cords. After correct insertion, the tip of the laryngeal mask sits in the throat against the muscular valve that is located at the upper portion of the esophagus.