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Neonatology clinic in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

Umbilical Artery Catheterisation (UAC)

Neonatology clinic in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

Umbilical Artery Catheterisation, or UAC, is the procedure of placing umbilical catheters inside the newborn for invasive blood pressure monitoring and arterial sampling in sick or ill babies. During pregnancy, the placenta and umbilical cord will ensure the supply of required nutrients to your baby and remove the waste products from your baby's blood. After the baby is born, the placenta is no more a link between the mother and infant. So, if the baby is sick right after birth, newborn resuscitation will be done by using umbilical arterial catheters. 

Why is the UAC procedure performed?

UAC procedure is performed when the newborn requires constant monitoring for cardiorespiratory distress, such as frequent arterial sampling and arterial pressure monitoring. Umbilical catheters support the survival of newborns by decreasing the inconvenience of repeated needle injections. These umbilical arterial catheters allow neonatal doctors to take blood from sick infants at frequent times. This way, the neonatologists can continuously monitor the baby's blood pressure. Visit our neonatology hospital in Yeshwanthpur for the best treatment.

When is the UAC procedure performed? 

The umbilical arterial catheter is a long, hollow and soft tube used in neonatal care units to monitor the newborn health condition and blood pressure. The UAC procedure is performed when the newborn in NICU requires the following: 

  • External support for breathing 

  • Constant monitoring of blood gases and blood pressure

  • Mechanical ventilation for respiratory diseases 

  • Strong medicines for blood pressure 

  • Oxygen hood and greater than 40% oxygen (Fio2 > 0.4) requirement with an abnormal chest radiograph 

  • Exchange transfusion in newborns weighing less than 1800 grams 

  • Blood sampling for monitoring the health condition

UAC Procedure: 

Our trained and highly skilled neonatal doctors at Manipal Hospitals and neonatal experts will take care of your newborn in the NICU unit. The procedure for placing umbilical arterial catheters will be performed under the supervision of neonatal experts. 

The following steps are involved in the placing of umbilical catheters: 

  • Once the equipment for umbilical catheter insertion is ready, the medical staff will decide whether the catheter goes in a high position or low position according to the circumstances of each case and the baby's condition.

  • The catheter is not placed in the intermediate position between T10 to L3 due to potentially associated thromboses of major aortic branches in this position.

  • After deciding on the catheter position, the baby will be made comfortable, and neonatal doctors will take appropriate measures to decrease the distress, such as securing the catheter as soon as possible and avoiding placing sutures on the skin.

  • Then the procedure will be started by gently dilating the artery and introducing the catheter into this artery. Also, the baby's belly button and surrounding belly area are cleaned with a special cleaning solution to keep the area sterile and decrease the chances of infection. Book an appointment to consult with the experts.

  • The catheter is then advanced with slow and constant pressure. 

  • Neonatal doctors will avoid inserting a catheter into the false passage.

  • If required, doctors will reattempt the catheterisation with a large catheter.

  • By using radiographs and X-rays, the position of the catheter is witnessed and will be confirmed as safe.

  • After the catheter is positioned correctly, it is taped to the abdominal wall.

After the catheter is placed, the newborn will be under continuous supervision to identify symptoms and treat them immediately. Once the catheter is not required, it will be removed, and the baby will be observed for possible bleeding. 

Complications of UAC procedure: 

  • Bleeding 

  • Vasospasm of the femoral artery, which causes blanching of toes and feet 

  • Embolisation from a blood clot

  • Infection 

  • Vascular perforation of umbilical arteries 

  • Thrombosis 

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

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