Umbilical vessel catheterization
Essential equipment
Steps
Place the newborn beneath a radiant warmer if possible.
An assistant can help position the infant.
Prepare your equipment: flush the catheter and cap it with a needle-free cap or 3-way stopcock in the “off-to-patient” position.
Appropriately prepare and drape the area. Hold the umbilical stump upright and scrub the cord with antiseptic solution.
Place a loop of umbilical tape or a purse-string suture at the junction of the skin and the cord.
Cut the cord with a scalpel 1-2 cm from the skin. Identify the vessels (1 vein, 2 arteries).
Gently advance a pre-flushed catheter into the vein.
Advance only 1-2 cm beyond point at which good blood return is obtained (usually 4-5 cm for term-sized infant). Tighten the umbilical tape or purse-string suture to hold catheter in place.
Secure and dress line.