Roentgenographic findings of complications with neonatal umbilical vascular catheterization

Retrieval of a retained umbilical vein catheter at 6 months

Umbilical venous catheterisation is carried out for the care of neonates who have very low birth weight and are critically ill. It is uncommon for catheter fragments to become fractured and retained. Here, we describe a case of a retained fractured umbilical vein catheter in an infant. An endovascular procedure to retrieve a catheter is the usual management option when the catheter has been accidentally cut and has moved proximally into a major vessel or inside the heart. It is rare to need open exploration and retrieval.

Umbilical catheter rupture: A serious complication in neonatal intensive care units

Umbilical catheterization is commonly used as a route to provide medications and fluids to the neonates as well as for blood sampling and continuous monitoring. Although the rupture of umbilical catheters is considered as a rare, preventable complication, it has been reported several times in the literature. Healthcare providers need to be cautious with catheter placement, maintenance, and removal to prevent such a complication. Hereby, we review the literature about this complication after presenting two incidents of umbilical venous catheter rupture in two separate patients in our neonatal ICU. One was removed easily through the umbilical stump, whereas the other required surgical exploration.

Tubes wires and the neonate

The structure and function of the various tubes and wires that may be seen on radiography of neonates undergoing intensive care are described. The desired position for these and some examples of the consequences of malposition are considered and illustrated; practical conclusions are made.