Umbilical line

The complications of umbilical lines are similar to those of Central venous catheter mainly Infections such as Neonatal sepsis and thrombosis. The most common organisms causing these infections are coagulase negative staphylococci such as staphylococcus epidermidis[2] To avoid catheter-related bloodstream infections checklists and care bundles focused on strict hygiene routines are often recommended.[3][4][5]

The position of an umbilical arterial catheter is confirmed on plain film. From the umbilicus, the umbilical arterial catheter dives inferiorly and joins the right or left internal iliac artery before turning superiorly to the common iliac artery and aorta. Appropriate positioning of the catheter tip can be either 'high' or 'low.' The high range is judged relative to thoracic vertebra, and is between T6 and T10, to avoid major aortic branches. The low range is relative to lumbar vertebra, and is between L3 and L5. The lower position may be associated with a higher rate of vascular complications such as thrombosis or vasospasm.[6]

Anomalous positioning of the umbilical venous catheter occurs frequently because it is usually inserted without imaging guidance, and confirmed after placement on subsequent plain film, occurring in approximately 50% of first attempts. From the umbilical vein at the umbilicus, the catheter curves superiorly and to the right, joining the left portal vein, passing through the patent ductus venosus to the inferior vena cava and right atrium. Appropriate UVC tip position is in the high inferior vena cava to the low right atrium, typically within 1 cm of the diaphragm. If the UVC tip is proximal to ductus venosus it can lead to administration of intravenous fluids into the portal system, with potential portal vein thrombosis, or, in cases of TPN administration, a TPN abscess.[7]