A laryngeal mask airway has a curved tubular guide for insertion through
the patient's mouth and oropharynx. After insertion of the guide, the
beveled distal opening of the guide abuts the laryngeal inlet, while the
guide's proximal opening remains outside the patient's mouth. A laryngeal
mask surrounds the distal opening of the guide to substantially seal the
laryngeal inlet about the distal opening of the guide. A ventilation port
adjacent to the proximal opening of the guide supplies air/oxygen through
the guide into the patient's lungs. An endotracheal tube can then be
advanced along the length of guide and through the patient's larynx
without interrupting ventilation.