Anesthesiology News recently reported on a study that promoted the LMA in prone position to "avoid intubation, reduce use of relaxants and minimize airway trauma." This study reflects increasing confusion in a complex subject that can be understood best in terms of anesthesia history.

Lacking IV access, early practitioners evolved a sophisticated technique that combined Jackson’s "closed circuit" anesthesia machines with intramuscular morphine and scopolamine premedication, mask induction, CO2 supplementation and ether anesthesia.

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