Historical information

Taking castings from the larynx of cadaver's, Archie Brain studied the anatomy and physiology of the upper airway in minute detail. He devised the Laryngeal Airway Marsk (LMA) as an alternative to endotracheal intubation. Since first gaining a patent in 1982, he produced over 1000 prototypes over the next 30 years in a constant effort to improve the device and patient safety.

Significance

The LMA is a recent innovation and provides an alternative to endotracheal intubation and has made a significant contribution to safe airway management.

Physical description

Ovoid shaped black rubber layrngeal airway with orange access point stopper. Translucent rubber tube is glued into the airway and is cutaway within the internal space of the airway. The item is a prototype and the materials used to construct it are gathered from different medical items.

Inscriptions & markings

The following text is present on the rubber tubing: 'EX 9.5 ORAL 12.9 USE ONCE Z79-IT 24 26 29'.