A laryngeal mask airway — also known as laryngeal mask and supraglottic airway — is a medical device that keeps a patient’s airway open during anesthesia or unconsciousness.
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 anesthetists to channel oxygen or anesthesia 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
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