The classic laryngeal mask airway (cLMA) is used in over 65% of all anaesthetized cases in the UK. An anaesthetist can expect to insert more than 12 000 cLMAs in their career.

In addition to its routine use the cLMA has a central role in difficult airway management, as a conduit for tracheal intubation and as a device for airway rescue. Despite cLMA insertion being a fundamental anaesthesia skill many anaesthetists have a poor insertion technique.

This session covers the basic insertion technique, maintenance and removal of the cLMA.