
laryngeal mask airway
A Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is a medical device used to maintain an open airway during anesthesia or emergency situations. It is a flexible tube with a mask-like end that fits over the opening of the windpipe (larynx) but does not enter it. This allows for oxygen to be delivered easily and prevents blockages. LMAs are popular because they are easier to insert than endotracheal tubes and are less likely to cause discomfort. They are commonly used in surgeries and critical care settings to help ensure a patient can breathe properly.