Archie Brain: celebrating 30 years of development in laryngeal mask airways

T.C.R.V. van Zundert, J. R. Brimacombe, D. Z. Ferson, D. R. Bacon, James D. Wilkinson*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The practice of anaesthesia was revolutionised by the ideas of Archie Brain. The routine use of a facemask to manage the airway was not a hands-free technique, despite the development of various harnesses, and made adequate record-keeping difficult. The tracheal tube was associated with some morbidity, which some felt was unsuitable for day surgery. Brain developed an airway management device that was less stressful to the patient than tracheal intubation, and was, however, as safe as using a facemask and airway. Brain also hoped his device would function for cases where mask ventilation was particularly difficult and thus give anaesthetists a safer alternative to a complex intubation, especially in emergency scenarios.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1375-1385
JournalAnaesthesia
Volume67
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2012

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