A new form of airway has recently been described, which is introduced blindly into the hypopharynx to form a seal around the larynx, so permitting spontaneous or positive pressure ventilation without penetration of the larynx or oesophagus. The further development of this new airway is described and the results of 18 months' clinical experience are presented. The airway was used successfully in 118 patients, 17 of whom received controlled ventilation of their lungs. It was used in place of the facemask in routine anaesthesia, and was of particular value in ophthalmic, dental and ear, nose and throat procedures and where difficulties with the airway were expected. The incidence of sore throat and other problems was low. Experience of more than 500 cases suggests that the laryngeal mask airway may have a valuable rôle to play in all types of inhalational anaesthesia, while its proven value in some cases of difficult intubation indicates that it may contribute significantly to the safety of general anaesthesia.