LMA Supreme

I don’t consider myself fashionable or “brand aware” by any means, but I do get a chuckle every time I reach for a particular laryngeal mask airway (LMA) – the LMA Supreme™. Makes me feel a little bougie. 😉

LMAs were created in the 1980s by Dr. Archie Brain, a British anesthetist, as an easy technique to provide ventilatory support; however, because LMAs sit above the glottic opening, they are not considered a “secure airway.” Over the years, I’ve used several different LMAs (Classic, Unique, i-gel, Fastrach), but the Supreme remains my favorite in relatively quick surgeries where patients are low risk for aspiration.

I feel that the LMA Supreme’s shape and slightly stiffer design allow it to sit better in the posterior oropharynx. Having an additional port for a gastric tube placement is also helpful if I want to evacuate gastric contents throughout the operation and prior to emergence from general anesthesia.

Drop me a comment with your favorite LMA and the reasoning for it!