The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is used in anaesthesia and in emergency medicine for airway management. It is a tube with an inflatable cuff that is inserted into the pharynx. It causes less pain and coughing than an endotracheal tube, and is much easier to insert. However, it does not protect the lungs from aspiration, making it unsuitable for anybody at risk of this complication.
The LMA was invented in the 1980s by British anaesthetist, Dr. Archie Brain.
