Lesson 4 - Laryngeal Mask Airway: MICU Fellows Airway Course

"Any port in a storm", the old saying goes for sailors. When you are managing an airway in the ICU, you will rarely consider a laryngeal mask airway (LMA), as this is not a "definitive" airway like an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy. Though the LMA "seats" in the posterior pharyx, it does not seal off the trachea, thus it leaves the patient at risk for aspiration. Hence, not a great long term solution for airway management. But in a "storm", different story.
The LMA has emerged as a great rescue device in airway management. Often, the very patient who is difficult to intubate, is the very person who can accommodate an LMA just fine. That allows you to ventilate for a short time while you get extra help/equipment. So in the can't intubate, can't ventilate (through mask ventilation) situation, the LMA will often change you to a can't intubate CAN ventilate (through the LMA). Aah, much better!

[@wajidali4356]

Wonderful

[@SS-fd8kh]

thank you , very useful

[@cooljazzr]

Is there any reason why LMA couldn't be used in a surgery? Any reason an endotracheal tube would be preferable or required? Is LMA only for short operations?

[@nero91]

You can use it, and it is used. Endotracheal intubation is a more common choice because it is a definitive secure airway that also prevents aspiration in case of reflux or intraoperative vomiting.

[@SamS1]

Why is it that some patients end up getting hiccups after you put in the LMA?

[@onlygirl1635]

Can it be hyperventilation?

[@ksujani7878]

Sir,is there a video on paediatric intubation?

[@katiebond7094]

I was told not to blow the cuff all the way do to blood pressure. Is that different for an LMA?

[@DrGallaghersNeighborhood]

Both LMA and endotracheal tubes can cause mucosal injury via cuff overinflation. So you have to make sure you don't overinflate.

[@anditaqwaPainFree]

are you need muscle relaxan?

[@shahadhakeem9288]

نريد ترجمة 🖤

[@sarahali9647]

ياريت اكو ترجمه بليس

[@DrGallaghersNeighborhood]

Shukran

[@joyprakashinduprakash8458]

'Kk