*7.2.3 Limitations of the LMA classic™*

Although the cLMA is used in a large number of cases requiring airway management, it has some limitations


**Figure 2.** *Classic LMA.*

larger and deeper bowl without aperture bars, second drainage tube placed lateral to the airway tube that ends at the tip of the mask, posterior extension of the mask cuff, integral silicone bite block, and an anterior pocket for seating an introducer or

The mask conforms to the contours of the hypopharynx. The mask has a main cuff that seals around the glottic aperture. The rear cuff pushes the mask anteriorly which helps to increase the seal. A pilot balloon with valve is used to inflate or

A drain tube (DT) passes parallel and lateral to the airway tube. It continues to enter the cuff bowl and terminates at the mask tip. Cuff tip lies at the origin of the upper oesophageal sphincter if device is positioned correctly. The wire reinforced airway tube prevents collapse and terminates with a standard 15 mm connector [7].

Sizes 3 to 5 were introduced in 2000 and sizes 1½-2½ in 2004. Sizes 1½-2½ have no dorsal cuff. Device properties and recommendations for use are given in **Table 3**. The pLMA is reusable and recommended product life is 40 sterilisations. Not all protein material can be removed by routine cleaning of laryngeal masks and this raises theoretical concerns over cross-infection risk, hence steam autoclaving is the

*7.3.1.2 Device description, technical aspects and practicalities of use*

The pLMA has four main components (**Figure 4**):

*Second Generation Supraglottic Airway (SGA) Devices DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93947*

The pLMA can also be used for FOB guided intubation.

*7.3.1.3 Size selection, practical aspect, adjuncts*

recommended method of sterilising this device.

• Inflation line with pilot balloon.

finger during insertion.

• Mask

• Airway tube

• Drain tube.

deflate the device.

**Figure 4.**

**259**

*Parts of Proseal LMA.*

#### **Figure 3.** *Classic LMA in-situ.*

