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The Laryngeal Mask--an overview.
1Royal East Sussex Hospital, Hastings, UK.
European Journal of Anaesthesiology. Supplement
|January 1, 1991
Summary
The laryngeal mask (LM) is a recent anesthesia device that has passed initial safety checks. Evidence suggests the LM is helpful in many situations when used correctly, despite ongoing research into specific risks like regurgitation.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- New medical equipment, similar to new drugs, prompts extensive adverse event reporting, aiding rapid identification of rare complications.
- Evaluating medical devices involves comparing overall morbidity, alongside factors like availability, purity, and cost, rather than focusing solely on major defects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current standing and utility of the laryngeal mask (LM) in anesthesia.
- To evaluate the LM's performance beyond the initial 'major defect' stage and into the 'trial by morbidity' phase.
Main Methods:
- Review of early adverse event reporting and clinical observations for the laryngeal mask (LM).
- Assessment of the LM's efficacy and safety profile based on available evidence, considering its mode of use and contraindications.
Main Results:
- The laryngeal mask (LM) appears to have progressed beyond the initial major defect identification stage.
- Current evidence indicates the LM is beneficial across various clinical scenarios when used meticulously and without contraindications.
- Definitive data on regurgitation and aspiration risks associated with the LM are still pending.
Conclusions:
- The laryngeal mask (LM) is an innovative and potentially life-saving device in anesthesia and resuscitation.
- Acquiring proficiency in LM usage requires a minimal effort and is worthwhile.
- Further studies are needed to fully define the LM's role in anesthesia and resuscitation.