Laryngeal Mask Airway Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA)?

To provide ventilation in patients who can be intubated

As an alternative to face mask or tracheal tube during anaesthesia (correct)

To eliminate the need for any airway management

To enhance surgical access during operations

Which component of the LMA is responsible for creating an air-tight seal?

Elliptical cuff (correct)

Self-sealing valve

Transparent tube

Pilot balloon

What is a contraindication for the use of an LMA?

Improved oxygenation needs during rapid sequence airway approach

Patient requiring elective anesthesia

Presence of a gag reflex (correct)

Patient who cannot be intubated

Which is the correct insertion step for an LMA?

Position the patient with the neck flexed in the sniffing position Signup and view all the answers

Which condition would increase the risk of aspiration, making LMA use inadvisable?

Morbid obesity Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended frequency of ventilation once the LMA is in place?

8 to 10 breaths per minute Signup and view all the answers

What should be done first when preparing to insert an LMA?

Select the appropriately sized LMA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the pilot balloon in an LMA?

To connect to the ventilation apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of performing a tracheostomy?

To create an opening for airway access and facilitate ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Which component is typically found in cuffed tracheostomy tubes?

Pilot balloon and inflation line Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an indication for performing a tracheostomy?

To provide a permanent airway for all patients Signup and view all the answers

What is one common complication that can arise from a tracheostomy?

Tracheoesophageal fistula Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the anatomical site where tracheostomy tubes are typically inserted?

Through the second, third, or fourth tracheal cartilage rings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is considered a contraindication for tracheostomy?

An abnormal airway anatomy Signup and view all the answers

What is a prominent advantage of using tracheostomy tubes over traditional tracheal tubes for prolonged ventilation?

They cause less irritation and discomfort Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of the tracheostomy tube decreases the risk of obstruction?

Square cut tip design Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)

Used as an alternative to face masks or tracheal tubes during anesthesia.
Low-cost, disposable and reusable versions widely available.
Components:*
Transparent tube with standard 15mm connection.
Elliptical cuff resembling a small face mask to create a seal around the larynx.
Pilot balloon with a self-sealing valve.
Two slits prevent the epiglottis from obstructing the lumen.
Indications for Use:*
Improve oxygenation in rapid sequence airway approaches.
Patients who cannot be intubated.
Elective anesthesia cases.
Cardiac arrest.
Contraindications:*
Increased risk of aspiration in cases of prolonged mask ventilation, morbid obesity and pregnancy.
Known or suspected abnormalities in supraglottic anatomy
Consciousness or presence of a gag reflex.
Complete upper airway obstruction.
Inability to open the mouth.
Insertion Technique:*
Select appropriately sized LMA.
Inflate and deflate cuff to check volume and ensure no leaks.
Apply sterile, water-soluble lubricant to the cuff's posterior surface.
Pre-oxygenate the patient.
Flex patient's neck and lift their chin (sniffing position).
Insert LMA into the mouth, pushing with the index finger in the notch where the tube connects to the mask.
Inflate the cuff.
Connect a bag-valve apparatus to the tube.
Initiate ventilation (8-10 breaths/minute, 500mL each breath).
Assess lung ventilation through auscultation and chest rise.
Verify placement using end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring.
Secure the tube appropriately.

Tracheostomy & Tracheostomy Tracheal Tubes

Tracheostomy: A surgical procedure creating an opening in the trachea for airway access and ventilation.
Tracheostomy Tracheal Tubes:*
Curved plastic tubes inserted through the second, third and fourth cartilage rings of the trachea.
Components:*
Proximal end with standard 15mm connector.
Introducer for insertion.
Wings (flange) for securing the tube.
Cuffed or uncuffed options available.
Pilot balloon and Inflation line for cuffed tubes.
Square cut tip to reduce obstruction risk.
Indications for Tracheostomy:*
Facilitating ventilator weaning as patients better tolerate tracheostomy tubes than tracheal tubes.
Maintaining an airway and protecting lungs in instances of impaired pharyngeal/laryngeal reflexes, post major head and neck surgery (e.g. laryngectomy).
Long-term management excessive bronchial secretions in patients with reduced consciousness.
Neuromuscular diseases affecting chest muscles and diaphragm.
Long-term mechanical ventilation.
Upper airway obstruction.
Complications of Tracheostomy:*
Tracheoesophageal fistula.
Bleeding (hemorrhage).
Vocal cord dysfunction.
Subglottic stenosis.
Pneumothorax.
Infection.
Scarring.
Contraindications for Tracheostomy:*
Abnormal airway anatomy.
Enlarged thyroid.
Coagulopathy.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA), including its components, indications for use, contraindications, and insertion techniques. It is an important tool in anesthesia, used as an alternative to intubation and face masks in various clinical scenarios.