Importance of Airway Management in Anesthesia

When a person is put under general anesthesia before he or she receive surgery, there are many potential threats to his or her health. In fact, the anesthesia process often carries as many or more risks than the medical procedure itself. Improper airway management is one of the potential problems that can cause a patient to be seriously, even fatally injured while unconscious.

It only takes four to six minutes without oxygen for a person to suffer “brain death.” Clearly, making sure that a patient’s lungs get the air they need should be one of an anesthesiologist’s primary concerns. If a negligent medical professional has put you in harm’s way or caused the injury or death of a loved one, the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, can help you explore your legal options.

Anesthesia and Airway Complications

The following are a few of main problems that can affect airway management when a person is placed under general anesthesia:

• Endotracheal tube placed into esophagus instead of windpipe
• Trauma to windpipe from failed intubation attempts
• Ventilator misuse or malfunction

These situations can lead to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) or, in the case of ventilator misuse, development of a hole in the patient’s lung.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured by improperly administered anesthesia, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, damages, or wrongful death. Call 610-667-7511 to contact the Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. and discuss the details of your case.