What term describes the accidental placement of a catheter in the wrong anatomical position?

The term that specifically describes the accidental placement of a catheter in the wrong anatomical position is malposition. This term is used in the context of medical procedures, particularly when discussing the placement of catheters within the vascular system or other anatomical structures. Malposition indicates that while the catheter is not dislodged or partially out of place, it is instead in an unintended area, which can lead to complications or ineffective treatment.

For instance, if a central venous catheter is inserted but ends up in the wrong vein or in a position that could cause issues, that scenario would be characterized as malposition. This is distinct from dislodgement, which refers to a catheter moving from its intended position due to external forces or patient movement, and extravasation, which involves the leakage of fluid into surrounding tissues typically associated with infiltration of intravenous drugs. Misplacement is a more general term that could apply to a variety of contexts, but malposition is the more precise medical term for this specific scenario.