Single patient use versus reusable laryngeal mask airways: a comparison

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was first developed in the 1980s by Dr Archie Brain as an alternative device to endotracheal intubation, and was known as the LMA-Classic (cLMA). Cook (2006) reports an estimated 2 million patient uses worldwide, with minimal complication rates reported. However, the author does acknowledge that these figures are now outdated and the increased use of LMAs both in and out of hospital will have seen this figure climb sharply. A prototype of the cLMA was developed and patented, with additional patents secured for component parts to the cLMA by Dr Brain. However, the original patent expired in the early 2000s, and since a number of other devices have been developed, based on the concept of the original LMA (Cook, 2006) and these devices are now grouped together as supraglottic airway devices (SGAs). This article aims to critically analyse the literature surrounding a range of SGA’s that are now available on the market since Dr Brain's original development, whilst considering anecdotal experiences of the author. Consideration will be given to the various reusable and disposable devices for cost effectiveness, speed of insertion, ease of use, durability and cross contamination.