The laryngeal mask airway, or LMA, is so commonly used, and so apparently safe, that it’s easy to become complacent. Research is showing that it’s apparently very common for us to over-inflate our LMA cuffs — to the potential harm of our patients. This article discusses some of the risks of overinflation, the predispositions to overinflation, and some of the strategies to avoid it. Read More …
Ease of insertion, presence of a gastric port, and the option for using higher ventilatory pressures make the LMA Supreme more versatile and applicable for use in higher risk patients. This article will discuss the differences between the LMA Supreme and The Classic LMA, detail how to insert the Supreme to optimize positioning in the oropharynx and provide guidance on how to avoid patient injury. Read More …
The LMA provides an alternate means to ventilate a patient during surgery — without intubation and while freeing the provider’s hands from having to hold the mask. It provides a more secure airway that makes gastric distention less likely. Since its invention, the LMA has since become quite valuable as a rescue device in situations when intubation may be difficult — even for the inexperienced. Let’s talk about some tips for successful insertion. Read More …