SMTL Medical Disposable Datacard
Laryngeal Mask
All Wales Contract: | Anaesthetic and endotracheal |
Sterility Status: | Sterile |
Usage Status: | single use, reusable and semi-reusable |
Description
Laryngeal masks (LMs) can also be known as laryngeal airway devices (LADs) and laryngeal mask airways (LMAs). LMs sit above the larynx and provide an airway. LMs consist of a transparent airway tube (usually made of silicone or PVC) with a standard 15 mm connector at one end and a cuff at the other. Some cuffs are inflatable and are attached to a pilot balloon (single-use pilot balloons are usually transparent) via a narrow inflation tube.
2 types of LMs exist: the reinforced (or flexible) LM has a reinforced airway tube to be more kink resistant (the tube wall most commonly contains coiled wire) whereas a standard LM does not possess reinforced metal within the tube. Single use and reusable LMs exist (although reusable LMs are less commonly used as quality and cost of disposable alternatives improve). Reusable LMs can be reprocessed and reused up to 40 times.
There are many variants of LMs. Some facilitate intubation and some possess an additional drainage tube to allow early warning of regurgitation. Intavent Orthofix produce the 'LMA Pro-Seal' which possesses an additional drainage tube to provide direct access to stomach contents, in order to protect against aspiration and to resist build up of pressure from inadvertent inflation of the stomach during ventilation. The 'I-Gel' (Intersurgical) also possesses a gastric channel and a gel cuff which does not require inflation.
Some reusable LMs are supplied 'clean' and need to be sterilised before use.
Key areas where used
- Theatres
- Accident and Emergency
- Ambulance
Method of use
Used for airway management in theatres, for the administration of anaesthetic gases and for maintaining patient ventilation during emergency procedures. LMs can also be used in ambulances and in Accident and Emergency departments for resuscitation purposes during emergencies. Standard LMs are more commonly used than reinforced LMs. Reinforced LMs are used in cases when the surgeon and anaesthetist share airway access (such as ENT and dental procedures) as the LM can be bent away from the surgical field without the tube kinking. LMs can also be used to manage difficult airways and can provide a guide through which an ET tube or flexible endoscope may be inserted. To insert an inflatable LM, the cuff is deflated using a syringe and the LM introduced into the mouth until it sits at the back of the hypopharynx. After the mask is in place, the cuff is inflated and the ventilation procedure continues.
Presentation
Individually packaged in a peel pouch
Sizes Required
- Sizes 1-6 (must be able to permit the passage of a size 6 ETT). Neonatal, paediatric and adult are available
Example products
The following table lists examples of products known to be acceptable for this product description.
Brand Name | Product Code | Manufacturer |
Standard single-use theatre LMA | 7130U | Intavent Orthofix |
Flexible (reinforced) single-use LMA | 7130 FSU | Intavent Orthofix |
Standard single-use LAD | 777400 | Marshall Products |
Flexible LMA-reusable | 7120R | Intavent Orthofix |
Editors
P Phillips and J Ford
Please inform SMTL of any inaccuracies noted or changes required in this datacard.
Disclaimer
This datacard has been prepared as an aid to contracting for purchasers in the NHS in Wales, and should not be used as a substitute for literature, instructions or training from the manufacturers of the devices.
Products mentioned in this datacard are for illustration purposes only and should not be seen as an endorsement of these products.