Prior to the introduction of the cLMA in 1988 anaesthetists had broadly two options for airway management: face mask or tracheal tube.

The cLMA was developed between 1981 and 1988 by UK anaesthetist Dr Archie Brain. Dr Brain used around 200 prototypes in over 7000 anaesthetics before the current cLMA was designed. A year after its introduction in 1988, every UK hospital had ordered cLMAs.

Dr Brain subsequently designed the Intubating, Reinforced, ProSeal and Supreme LMAs.

After more than 200 000 000 uses of the cLMA, and 2500 publications, performance statistics indicate:

• >90% first time insertion
• >95% hands-free anaesthesia
• One direct death in literature