Laryngeal Mask (LMA)

The laryngeal mask is a so-called oropharyngeal tube, i.e. it is inserted through the patient’s mouth and comes to rest behind the larynx.This is intended to ensure that the airways are kept open so that the patient can then be ventilated via the mask. The Laryngeal Mask is used when an operation does not take longer than two hours, another type of intubation was not possible or the patient requires emergency ventilation. Before the Laryngeal Mask is inserted, the patient is put under anesthesia to avoid gag reflex and laryngeal cramps.

It can then be inserted through the patient’s mouth and fixed in the correct position if the patient’s head is hyperextended. Contraindications It is important that the patient is fasting, as inserting the mask as far as behind the larynx can cause vomiting, which can subsequently lead to aspiration of the vomit into the lungs. In contrast to other intubation procedures, the laryngeal mask offers no protection against this. In addition, the laryngeal mask is not suitable for very overweight persons (BMI >35) or for interventions in the thorax or head area. Risks Insertion of the laryngeal mask may result in injury to the lingual frenulum and damage to the teeth.

Laryngeal Tube (LTS)

The Laryngeal Tube is an alternative to the Laryngeal Mask. In contrast to the larynx mask, it offers a higher aspiration protection, i.e. it can better prevent the inhalation of vomit. The Laryngeal Tube can also be used when intubation is difficult and can also be used for emergency ventilation.

The Laryngeal Tube is also placed under the larynx after insertion, but has an additional opening that leads into the esophagus, through which a gastric tube can be inserted to aspirate stomach contents. Despite this higher aspiration protection, the Laryngeal Tube should not be used in fasting patients if possible. Risks Even the insertion of the Laryngeal Tube may cause injury to the lingual frenulum or the mucous membrane of the mouth. If too large a tube is chosen, ventilation may not be possible.