Laryngeal mask airway and the difficult airway.
OBJECTIVE
To present recent advances in the role of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and its newer modifications in the management of difficult airway.


RESULTS
The principles of management of a difficult airway remain the same, but the advent of the intubating LMA (ILMA) and Proseal LMA (PLMA) has provided a better choice in such situations. While fiberoptic intubation remains the preferred choice of many anaesthesiologists, the ILMA provides equal or better conditions for intubation when compared with the awake technique. The PLMA with its better safety profile is proving valuable in the emergency scenario.


CONCLUSIONS
ILMA and PLMA have been shown to be effective in the management of difficult airway. We recommend that training in the use of these devices be made mandatory.
Ramachandran
Krishna
K
Department of Anesthesia, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK. ram4417@aol.com
Kannan
Santhanagopalan
S