eMedicine Specialties > Clinical Procedures > Vascular Techniques

Catheterization, Umbilical Vein

Author: John P Magnan, MD, MS, Attending, Department of Emergency Medicine, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Mar 29, 2009

Introduction

Umbilical vein catheterization may be a life-saving procedure in neonates who require vascular access and resuscitation. The umbilical vein remains patent and viable for cannulation until approximately 1 week after birth. After proper placement of the umbilical line, intravenous fluids and medication may be administered to critically ill neonates.1

When critically ill newborns present to the emergency department, peripheral access is preferred. If this is impossible, umbilical vein catheterization may be attempted.

Indications

  • The principal indication for umbilical vein catheterization is to gain vascular access during emergency resuscitation.
  • Alternative uses of the umbilical vein may include exchange transfusions and central venous access.

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications to umbilical vein catheterization include the following:

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References
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References

  1. [Best Evidence] Butler-O'Hara M, Buzzard CJ, Reubens L, McDermott MP, DiGrazio W, D'Angio CT. A randomized trial comparing long-term and short-term use of umbilical venous catheters in premature infants with birth weights of less than 1251 grams. Pediatrics. Jul 2006;118(1):e25-35. [Medline].

  2. O'Gorman CS. Insertion of umbilical arterial and venous catheters. Ir Med J. May 2005;98(5):151-3. [Medline].

  3. Sethi SK, Dewan P, Faridi MM, Aggarwal A, Upreti L. Liver abscess, portal vein thrombosis and cavernoma formation following umbilical vein catherisation in two neonates. Trop Gastroenterol. Apr-Jun 2007;28(2):79-80. [Medline].

  4. Costa S, De Carolis MP, Savarese I, Manzoni C, Lacerenza S, Romagnoli C. An unusual complication of umbilical catheterisation. Eur J Pediatr. Mar 18 2008;[Medline].

  5. Moens E, Dooy JD, Jansens H, Lammens C, Op de Beeck B, Mahieu L. Hepatic abscesses associated with umbilical catheterisation in two neonates. Eur J Pediatr. Jun 2003;162(6):406-9. [Medline].

  6. Sakha SH, Rafeey M, Tarzamani MK. Portal venous thrombosis after umbilical vein catheterization. Indian J Gastroenterology. 2007;26:283-4. [Medline].

  7. Hermansen MC, Hermansen MG. Intravascular catheter complications in the neonatal intensive care unit. Clin Perinatol. Mar 2005;32(1):141-56, vii. [Medline].

  8. Onal EE, Saygili A, Koc E, Turkyilmaz C, Okumus N, Atalay Y. Cardiac tamponade in a newborn because of umbilical venous catheterization: is correct position safe?. Paediatr Anaesth. Nov 2004;14(11):953-6. [Medline].

  9. Sehgal A, Cook V, Dunn M. Pericardial effusion associated with an appropriately placed umbilical venous catheter. J Perinatol. May 2007;27(5):317-9. [Medline].

  10. Fuchs, Susan et al. APLS - The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Resource. Fourth Revis ed. Jones & Bartlett Publishers, Incorporated; 2006.

  11. Roberts JR, Hedges JR. Pediatric vascular access and blood sampling techniques. In: Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2004:375-6.

  12. Robertson J, Shilkovski N. Procedures. In: Robertson J. The Harriet Lane Handbook: A Manual for Pediatric House Officers. 17th. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Science; 2005:81-6.

  13. Kattwinkel J. Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation. 4th. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2000.

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Further Reading

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Keywords

umbilical vein catheterization, UV cath, infusion catheter, umbilical vein line, vascular access in neonates, neonatal vascular access, preterm UV, full-term UV, UV catheterization, infant vascular access, vascular infusion, infant vascular infusion

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

John P Magnan, MD, MS, Attending, Department of Emergency Medicine, Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center
John P Magnan, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Emergency Physicians, and American Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Richard G Bachur, MD, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Associate Chief and Fellowship Director, Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Boston
Richard G Bachur, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Pfizer Inc Stock Investment from financial planner; Avanir Pharma Stock Investment from financial planner ; WebMD Salary and stock Employment and investment from financial planner

Managing Editor

Luis M Lovato, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Director of Critical Care, Department of Emergency Medicine, Olive View/UCLA Medical Center
Luis M Lovato, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Emergency Physicians, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

CME Editor

Gil Z Shlamovitz, MD, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Emergency Department, Windham Community Memorial Hospital, Willimantic, CT; Attending Physician, Emergency Department, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT
Gil Z Shlamovitz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine and American College of Emergency Physicians
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Rick Kulkarni, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Section of Emergency Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital
Rick Kulkarni, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: WebMD Salary Employment

 
 
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