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Umbilical Vein Catheter

Indications: Emergent access to newborn circulation
1. Exchange Transfusion
2. Very ill infants
3. Very low birth weight (<750g)
Insertion Technique
1. Performed under sterile conditions
2. Betadine prep of Umbilicus
3. Draping of abdomen
4. Base of cord tied
5. Cord cut 1 cm from skin
6. Hold cord between thumb and index finger
7. Remove visible clots from vein
8. Insert iris forceps into umbilical artery
9. Gently dilate umbilical artery with forceps
10. Insert saline filled 5F catheter to proper distance
  1. Method 1: 2/3 of shoulder-Umbilical Cord distance
  2. Method 2: 1/2 of UAC line calculation - 1 cm
  3. Exchange Transfusion: Free flow of blood (5-7 cm)
11. Confirm line placement on XRay
12. Secure line with Suture and tape
Removal Technique
1. Purse string Silk Suture around vein
2. Remove catheter

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 5/10/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.