Umbilical Catheter

What is an umbilical catheter?

An umbilical catheter is a small flexible tube that is put into a baby’s umbilical stump after the umbilical cord has been cut. The umbilical stump is what is left of the umbilical cord after it is cut when the baby is born. The stump sticks out of the baby’s belly button. The umbilical cord has 1 vein and 2 arteries.

When is it used?

Newborns have very small veins and arteries. Sometimes it may take many tries to put an IV into a baby’s small blood vessels. An umbilical catheter can be used instead of an IV to:

• Give blood transfusions.
• Give medicines or fluids.
• Measure the pressure of blood in your baby’s heart.
• Give your baby a special kind of liquid food called total parenteral nutrition.

Instead of this procedure, another treatment may be:

• Placing an IV in the arms, legs, or scalp.

Ask your healthcare provider about your choices for treatment and the risks.

What happens during the procedure?

Your baby will be put on his back and secured so that your baby doesn’t move during the procedure. Your healthcare provider will stretch the umbilical stump open and put the catheter into a vein or an artery. Your provider may sew or tape the catheter in place.

What happens after the procedure?

Your baby will stay in the hospital while the umbilical catheter is in place. The catheter may be taken out when:

• Your baby no longer needs to get medicines or blood this way.
• An IV can be put into your baby's arm, leg, or head.
• Your baby's catheter gets blocked or infected.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and any risks. Some possible risks include:

• infection if bacteria get into the catheter
• blood clots that may travel to another part of the body (an umbilical vein clot usually goes to the liver) and damage that part of the body

There is risk with every treatment or procedure. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if anyone has had a tendency to have extra and abnormal blood clotting in the family.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to your child. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.