Abstract
This article describes a short history of the development of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and also concretely explains the details of LMA insertion.
After LMA appeared on the market in 1988, it has been widely accepted as a very useful device for airway maintenance. LMA has now become more frequently used than the tracheal tube in many developed countries for routine elective surgeries. However, because of the lack of basic knowledge and technique, there are still some practitioners who, regrettably, have difficulties with the practical use of LMA and intentionally avoid using it. This article deals with the concepts behind LMA design as well as its history, and discusses the inventor of LMA who suggested a rational insertion technique, and provides practical guidance for inexperienced LMA users.
