Umbilical Catheter

Umbilical Catheter

An umbilical vein catheter is a thin, flexible tube put in a blood vessel in a newborn baby's belly button. It can be used to get blood for testing and it can also be used to give medicine or fluids.

• With X-ray

What is an Umbilical Venous Catheter?

An umbilical venous catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a blood vessel in a newborn baby. The purpose of the catheter is to allow for the administration of fluids, medication, and blood products. The catheter is placed in the umbilical vein, which is located in the umbilical cord. The placement of the catheter is done while the baby is still in the womb. Once the catheter is in place, it will remain there until it is no longer needed.

Types of Umbilical Venous Catheters

There are three types of umbilical venous catheters:

 

1. Straight catheter: This type of catheter has a single lumen and is inserted through the side of the umbilical vein. It is used for short-term access to the umbilical vein for blood sampling or infusion of fluids and medications.

 

2. Coiled catheter: This type of catheter has a double lumen and is inserted through the side of the umbilical vein. It is used for long-term access to the umbilical vein for intravenous nutrition or administration of medications.

 

3. Pigtail catheter: This type of catheter has a single lumen and is inserted through the end of the umbilical vein. It is used for long-term access to the umbilical vein for intravenous nutrition or administration of medications.

How Long Do You Have An Umbilical Venous Catheter?

An Umbilical Venous Catheter (UVC) is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a blood vessel in a newborn baby. The UVC is usually placed in the umbilical vein, which is the large vein in the umbilical cord that carries blood from the placenta to the baby. The UVC can be used to draw blood from the baby for tests or to give fluids or medications. It can also be used to measure the baby's heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level. The UVC will stay in place until it is no longer needed. How long a UVC will stay in place depends on why it was placed. If it was placed for short-term use, such as to draw blood or give fluids, it will likely be removed within a few days. If it was placed for longer-term use, such as to measure the baby's vital signs or give medications, it may stay in place for several weeks.

How to Take Care of an Umbilical Venous Catheter

Assuming you are the parent or caregiver of a newborn with an umbilical venous catheter (UVC), here are some tips on how to take care of the UVC:

-The UVC should be kept clean and dry. You can do this by wiping it with a damp cloth.

-The area around the UVC insertion site should also be kept clean and dry. You can do this by gently cleaning the area with soap and water.

-Make sure to keep the dressing over the insertion site dry and intact.

-You should check the dressing and UVC regularly for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or drainage.

-If you notice any signs of infection, please contact your child's healthcare provider immediately.

-It is important to keep the UVC secure so that it does not become dislodged. You can do this by taping down the tube to your child's skin.

-Do not use lotions, oils, powders, or diaper rash ointments near the UVC insertion site as these can cause irritation and make it difficult to tape down the tube securely.

-Please avoid giving your child baths until their healthcare provider says it is okay to do so. sponge baths are fine in the meantime.

Uses for an Umbilical Venous Catheter

An Umbilical Venous Catheter (UVC) is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a blood vessel in a newborn baby. The UVC is usually placed in the umbilical vein, which is located just under the skin in the belly button area. The UVC can be used to draw blood, give fluids and medications, or take measurements of the baby's heart rate and blood pressure.

Umbilical Catheter The placenta is the link between mother and baby during pregnancy. Two arteries and one vein in the umbilical cord carry blood back and forth. If the newborn baby is ill right after birth, a catheter may be placed. A catheter is a long, soft, hollow tube. An umbilical artery catheter (UAC) allows blood to be taken from an infant at different times, without repeated needle sticks. It can also be used to continuously monitor a baby's blood pressure. An umbilical artery catheter is most often used if:

• The baby needs breathing help.
• The baby needs blood gases and blood pressure monitored.
• The baby needs strong medicines for blood pressure.

An umbilical venous catheter (UVC) allows fluids and medicines to be given without frequently replacing an intravenous (IV) line. An umbilical venous catheter may be used if:

• The baby is very premature.
• The baby has bowel problems that prevent feeding.
• The baby needs very strong medicines.
• The baby needs exchange transfusion.

HOW ARE UMBILICAL CATHETERS PLACED? There are normally two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein in the umbilical cord. After the umbilical cord is cut off, the health care provider can find these blood vessels. The catheters are placed into the blood vessel, and an x-ray is taken to determine the final position. Once the catheters are in the right position, they are held in place with silk thread. Sometimes, the catheters are taped to the baby's belly area. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF UMBILICAL CATHETERS? Complications include:

• Interruption of the blood flow to an organ (intestines, kidney, liver) or limb (leg or rear end)
• Blood clot along the catheter
• Infection

Blood flow and blood clot problems can be life threatening and require removal of the UAC. The NICU nurses carefully monitor your baby for these possible problems.