Endotracheal tube wrongly placed during anesthetic procedure

This code signifies a patient safety event where an endotracheal tube (ETT) was incorrectly positioned during an anesthetic procedure. This misplacement can lead to serious complications such as esophageal intubation, right mainstem bronchus intubation, or extubation, all of which compromise ventilation and oxygenation.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates that an ETT was initially placed in an incorrect anatomical location (e.g., esophagus, mainstem bronchus) during an anesthetic procedure, requiring repositioning or reintubation. This is typically identified through clinical assessment, capnography, or chest X-ray.

• Ensure the documentation specifies the ETT misplacement occurred during an anesthetic procedure.
• Do not use for ETT dislodgement or accidental extubation occurring post-procedure or unrelated to initial placement.
• Code this as a principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a complication of another procedure.