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.
