Y65.3: Endotracheal tube wrongly placed during anaesthetic procedure

Wrong placement of an endotracheal tube during an anaesthetic procedure refers to a serious medical event involving the incorrect insertion of a small, flexible tube into the windpipe (trachea) while a patient is undergoing surgery involving anesthesia. This tube is necessary as it facilitates breathing and helps control the patient's airway during anesthesia. However, if incorrectly placed, the tube can cause significant problems. It might obstruct the airway instead of helping it, or it can cause damage to the vocal cords and trachea. Symptoms might include difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or changes in voice post-surgery. In worst-case scenarios, this can also result in inadequate oxygen supply to the body, impacting various bodily functions and potentially leading to life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest or brain damage.