Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques, and Equipment

Laryngeal Masks

A type of oropharyngeal airway that provides an alternative to endotracheal intubation and standard mask anesthesia in certain patients. It is introduced into the hypopharynx to form a seal around the larynx thus permitting spontaneous or positive pressure ventilation without penetration of the larynx or esophagus. It is used in place of a facemask in routine anesthesia. The advantages over standard mask anesthesia are better airway control, minimal anesthetic gas leakage, a secure airway during patient transport to the recovery area, and minimal postoperative problems.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A type of oropharyngeal airway that provides an alternative to endotracheal intubation and standard mask anesthesia in certain patients. It is introduced into the hypopharynx to form a seal around the larynx thus permitting spontaneous or positive pressure ventilation without penetration of the larynx or esophagus. It is used in place of a facemask in routine anesthesia. The advantages over standard mask anesthesia are better airway control, minimal anesthetic gas leakage, a secure airway during patient transport to the recovery area, and minimal postoperative problems.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

7 entry terms
  • Laryngeal Mask Airway
  • Airway, Laryngeal Mask
  • Airways, Laryngeal Mask
  • Laryngeal Mask
  • Laryngeal Mask Airways
  • Mask, Laryngeal
  • Masks, Laryngeal

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

13 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings adverse effects, classification, economics, ethics, history, microbiology, parasitology, standards, statistics & numerical data, supply & distribution, trends, veterinary, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

"an alternative to endotracheal intubation"

MeSH Record

History Note

93

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Intubation (1985-1992)
  • Intubation, Intratracheal (1985-1992)
  • Masks (1989-1992)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. E02w.041w.500w.475w
  2. E02w.585w.578w.475w
  3. E05.497w.578w.475w
  4. E07w.700.500.450w
  5. E07w.700.560w.782.450w
  6. J01.637.708.560w.782.450w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

WO 240

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Laryngeal Masks. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D017214. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D017214
  2. Laryngeal Masks. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laryngeal_mask_airway
  3. Laryngeal Masks. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1806426