Download Umbilical Catheters (UAC and UVC)

FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES
Umbilical Catheters (UAC and UVC)
What is it?
An umbilical catheter is a thin, flexible tube that is placed
in a blood vessel in the stump of a newborn’s umbilical
cord. There are two types of umbilical catheters:
•• A UAC (umbilical artery catheter) goes into one of the
two arteries in the umbilical cord. (An artery is a blood
vessel that carries blood away from the heart.) The UAC
is used to draw blood samples and to monitor the baby’s
blood pressure.
•• A UVC (umbilical venous catheter) goes into the vein
of the umbilical cord. (A vein is a blood vessel that
carries blood toward the heart.) A UVC is used to
give fluid and medications.
Why does my baby need it?
These types of catheters are used with newborns —
especially those born prematurely (“preemies”) — who
need special medication, fluids, nutrition, or monitoring.
Your baby’s provider can tell you the specific reason why
a UAC or UVC is recommended for your baby. However,
generally speaking, these catheters may offer several
advantages for providing care to a baby. For example:
•• A UAC may mean that your baby gets fewer needle
sticks for drawing blood samples. A UAC also allows
for blood gas sampling, which can show how well the
baby’s lungs are working, and for continuous internal
blood pressure monitoring.
•• A UVC is often used instead of another type of IV
(intravenous) line to deliver strong medications that
could irritate smaller blood vessels elsewhere in the
body. A UVC is also used for giving nutrition and
fluids. Having a UVC could limit the number of
needle sticks needed for IVs placed elsewhere on
the body.
Umbilical catheters may help the medical team
monitor and treat your newborn in the hospital.
How is a UAC or UVC placed?
After a baby’s umbilical cord is cut, a doctor can still
access the blood vessels inside it for about a week after
birth. The catheters are placed through the stump that
sticks up out of the baby’s navel (belly button). Here are
the basic steps for placing the catheters:
•• Your baby will be positioned on his or her back.
Because your baby needs to stay still during the
procedure, your baby’s arms and legs may be secured.
•• A provider will use a special soap to clean the area
around your baby’s belly button. The provider will also
place a towel or drape to isolate the cord stump from
the abdominal area. These steps help make sure the
procedure is sterile (completely clean), which lowers
the chance of infection.
•• Your child’s provider will locate the blood vessel (artery
or vein) in the umbilical cord, then carefully thread
the catheter into it. The provider will order an x-ray to
make sure the catheter is in the right place.
•• The provider may use a stitch to secure the catheter to
your baby’s umbilical stump. The catheter may also be
taped to your baby’s belly. This will help make sure the
line stays in the right place.
After placement, your baby’s care team will regularly
inspect the catheter site to check for infection and help
ensure the line stays in the right place.
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Does it hurt?
No. Since the umbilical cord has no pain receptors,
placing or having a UAC or UVC isn’t painful for your
baby. In fact, having an umbilical catheter usually means
your baby needs fewer needles sticks during treatment.
Can I hold my baby?
Generally, yes — a baby with an umbilical catheter can
be held. However, every situation is different, and the decision
depends on your baby’s condition and other treatments.
Ask your baby’s providers if it’s okay to hold your baby.
How long will my baby have
a UAC or UVC?
How long the catheter stays in varies from a few days to
a week or two. It depends on the reason it was placed,
how a baby responds to treatment, and other factors.
Your baby’s providers can tell you what to expect
from this or any other aspect of your baby’s hospital
care — please ask.
Talking with your baby’s provider about umbilical catheters (UAC and UVC)
The table below lists the most common potential benefits, risks, and alternatives for this treatment. Other benefits and risks
may apply in your baby’s unique situation. Talking with your baby’s providers is the most important part of learning about
these risks and benefits. If you have questions, be sure to ask.
Potential benefits
Risks and potential complications
Alternatives
Depending on the reason the catheter is
recommended for your baby, benefits may
include:
•• Reduced blood flow to an organ (intestines, kidneys,
liver) or to a limb
•• Less need to handle the baby, which may
be important for a premature or sick baby
•• Infection
Alternatives depend on your
baby’s condition and the
treatment plan. In some
cases, there may be no
alternate way to monitor a
baby or to provide needed
fluids or medications. In
others, options may include:
•• Fewer needle sticks
•• Better delivery of important nutrients,
fluids, or medications
•• Ability to continuously monitor the baby’s
blood pressure
•• Easier sampling of the baby’s arterial
blood gases
•• Blood clot
•• Line migration (the catheter moves out of place inside
the body, extending beyond the intended spot)
•• Artery spasm with UAC (the artery tightens around
the line), which can cause discoloration of the toes,
feet, or leg
•• Cardiac tamponade (fluid gathers in the sac around
the heart)
•• Peripheral arterial line
•• Peripherally inserted
central catheter (PICC)
© 2013 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it
should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. More health information is
available at intermountainhealthcare.org. Patient and Provider Publications 801-442-2963 fs353 - 09/13 Also available in Spanish.
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