Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by tanya

What Are Common Intubation Mistakes?

 

Free Initial Consultation About A Clinical Medical Claim

 

Intubation is generally performed without complications, but these can occur, so what are common intubation mistakes and resulting injuries? This procedure is used to provide mechanical ventilation. However, injuries may happen due to various factors, from equipment failure to human error or emergency situations requiring immediate intervention.

While many consequences may be minor in nature, there may be severe injuries and if there has been clinical negligence, you may want to claim compensation for the harm suffered.

 

Our caring team at First Personal Injury can guide you through the nest steps you need to take.

 

When Intubation Errors May Occur

 

Firstly, we take a closer look at how and when mistakes can happen during intubation:

Inexperienced or Inadequately Trained Practitioners

Intubation is a skill that requires extensive training and experience. Errors can occur if a practitioner lacks the necessary expertise in airway management. This may include novice clinicians or those who do not frequently perform intubation.

 

Difficult Airway Situations

Some patients can present with difficult airways due to congenital abnormalities, obesity, facial trauma, or anatomical variations. Failure to recognise and prepare for a challenging airway increases the risk of failed intubation, prolonged attempts, or improper tube placement.

 

Incorrect Tube Placement

A common and dangerous mistake is the misplacement of the endotracheal tube. Accidental placement may see the tube being placed in the oesophagus (transports food)  instead of the trachea (transports air). This mistake prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs and may lead to hypoxia, brain damage, or even cardiac arrest.

 

Delayed Intubation in Emergency Settings

In emergency situations, timely airway management is critical. Any delay in intubation due to hesitation, difficulty in equipment preparation, or failure to identify the need for intervention can result in oxygen deprivation and severe complications.

 

Excessive Force or Trauma During Intubation

The use of excessive force while inserting the laryngoscope or endotracheal tube can cause trauma to the airway. This includes lacerations, vocal cord injuries, or damage to the surrounding soft tissues.

 

Equipment Malfunction or Misuse

Defective or improperly maintained equipment, may result in failed intubation or your airway being compromised.

 

Injuries Resulting from Intubation Errors

 

Hypoxia and Brain Damage

One of the most serious consequences of intubation errors is inadequate oxygenation. If a tube is misplaced, or intubation is delayed, the patient may experience prolonged hypoxia, leading to irreversible brain damage or death.

 

Oesophageal Intubation and Aspiration Pneumonia

If the tube is mistakenly placed in the oesophagus, oxygen fails to reach the lungs, and air is instead delivered to the stomach. This can lead to regurgitation and aspiration pneumonia, a severe lung infection caused by inhaled gastric contents.

 

Tracheal or Oesophageal Perforation

Forceful insertion or improper handling of the intubation equipment can cause perforation of the trachea or oesophagus. Such injuries often require surgical intervention and can be life-threatening.

 

Laryngeal Trauma and Vocal Cord Injury

Intubation-related trauma to the larynx or vocal cords can cause hoarseness, pain, or permanent vocal impairment. In severe cases, vocal cord paralysis may occur, affecting speech and breathing.

 

Dental and Oral Trauma

During intubation, patients can sustain injuries to their teeth, gums, and oral structures, particularly if excessive force is applied with the laryngoscope. Broken teeth and soft tissue injuries in the mouth are common complications.

 

Tracheal Stenosis

Prolonged intubation or an overinflated endotracheal tube cuff can lead to tracheal stenosis, a condition where the airway becomes narrowed due to scarring. This can result in difficulty breathing and may require surgical intervention.

 

Collapsed Lung

While rare, improper intubation can cause pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or subcutaneous emphysema, where air escapes into tissues under the skin. These conditions can severely impact respiration and require urgent treatment.

 

Cardiac Arrest

In extreme cases, intubation errors, particularly those leading to prolonged hypoxia, can result in cardiac arrest. The stress and trauma associated with multiple intubation attempts can also trigger cardiovascular complications. This may especially apply to critically ill patients.

 

Making a Medical Negligence Claim

 

If you have suffered harm due to intubation errors, you may be eligible to file a medical negligence claim. You will have to be able to show that there was a failure to follow standard medical practice. This may include different causes, such as using excessive force or failing to confirm tube placement.

This breach of duty must also be directly linked to preventable harm. That means if you suffered avoidable injuries, for example oesophageal perforation caused due to an intubation mistake. Inadequate training or incompetence are also considerations, as are delay in diagnosis.

 

It is crucial to have your case assess by a lawyer who specialises in medical negligence cases. At First Personal Injury we partner with lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis who can help you.  Typically claims must be made within three years of the incident or when you became aware of the harm.

Contact us today at 0333 358 2345. Alternatively, you can complete our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our expert team.