Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
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Acta Anaesthesiol Scand · Feb 1996
ReviewThe laryngeal mask airway--anatomical and physiological implications.
The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a relatively new general purpose airway which fills a niche between the face mask and tracheal tube, both in terms of anatomical location and degree of invasiveness. It sits in the hypopharynx at the interface between the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, where it forms a circumferential low pressure seal around the glottis. ⋯ This review deals briefly with the concepts behind LMA design and insertion, and focuses on the anatomical and physiological implications of the LMA with respect to the swallowing reflex, the oesophagus, the pharyngeal mucosa, pulmonary defences, pulmonary mechanics and the cardiovascular system. The possible role of the LMA as a monitor of anaesthetic depth and areas of future research are also discussed.