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Neonatology clinic in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

Umbilical Vein Catheterisation (UVC)

Neonatology clinic in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

Umbilical Vein Catheterisation (UVC) is the process of introducing an umbilical venous catheter into the vein of the baby's umbilical cord. The umbilical venous catheter is the most used central line in neonates and is the preferred venous access route in newborns weighing less than 800 grams. This is an easy procedure as the umbilical venous catheter can be inserted right after birth which provides stable intravenous access in babies requiring resuscitation during the early days of birth. 

What is the difference between UAC and UVC procedures? 

While the UAC procedure is performed by placing an umbilical arterial catheter into 1 of the 2 arteries (blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart) in the umbilical cord, the UVC procedure is performed by placing the umbilical venous catheter into the vein (blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart) of the umbilical cord. 

These procedures are mainly performed in premature or sick babies who require constant monitoring and resuscitation as part of survival from external support. Your baby's neonatal doctor will let you know once the baby requires UAC or UVC. Doctors also communicate with the parents regarding how long the catheter will be needed for their baby. Parents can consult their baby's doctor and know the main benefits and risks of umbilical catheters and the impact of these procedures on their baby. 

When are the umbilical venous catheters needed for neonates? 

While the umbilical arterial catheters are placed in the umbilical artery for drawing blood samples as needed and for constantly monitoring the infant's blood pressure, the umbilical venous catheters are placed in the umbilical vein to give required fluids and nutrition to the baby. 

The UVC procedure is performed in the NICU units on infants when: 

  • The newborn is premature and sick

  • The baby needs very strong medicines 

  • The infant needs an exchange transfusion 

  • The baby has bowel problems that prevent feeding 

Why is UVC performed? 

While performing the Peripheral Catheter Insertion procedure, if the doctors face difficulty in establishing peripheral venous access, then the UVC procedure is performed. For quick resuscitation or during emergencies, the umbilical vein can be used for up to the first seven to 10 days since birth. The umbilical vein can also be used as a route for central venous pressure monitoring. In the normal UVC procedure, doctors confirm the accurate position of the umbilical venous catheter through X-rays. Visit our neonatology hospital in Yeshwanthpur for the best treatment.

However, in emergency UVC procedures, short-term umbilical venous access is used as a quick route for saving a baby's survival by giving medicines and required fluids into this route. In emergency procedures, doctors will preferably not use X-rays as the catheter tip is inserted only 3-5 cm beyond the mucocutaneous junction.  Book an appointment to consult with the experts.

The usage of the umbilical venous catheter is a life-saving procedure for endangered neonates and premature babies. The UVC procedure is performed: 

  • To give the required fluids, medicines and nutrition the baby requires.

  • To give the medication to the baby without frequently using an IV line.

  • To decrease the distress in fragile babies with UVC procedure.

Complications 

  • Bleeding 

  • Blood clot formation

  • Embolism

  • Spasm

  • Sepsis

  • Perforation 

  • Cardiac arrhythmias, hepatic necrosis or portal hypertension due to the wrong-positioned or malpositioned catheter

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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