What is UVC and UAC?

What is UVC and UAC?

An umbilical line is a catheter that is inserted into one of the two arteries or the vein of the umbilical cord. Generally the UAC/UVC (Umbilical Artery Catheter/Umbilical Vein Catheter) is used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) as it provides quick access to the central circulation of premature infants.

Is UVC or UAC deeper?

Estimates for UC insertion depths are based on measurements of surface anatomy. Guidelines for UAC placement are insertion to 1 cm greater than the infants’ umbilical-to-shoulder length. For UVC insertion, the distance between the infants’ umbilicus to the xiphoid process is advised.

What can be given through UAC?

Blood products (controversial, emergency only). Blood products can be given via a UAC, but UVC or peripheral/central access preferred. UAC is less preferred, as this may enhance the risk of thrombosis.

What is the purpose of an UAC catheter?

If the newborn baby is ill right after birth, a catheter may be placed. A catheter is a long, soft, hollow tube. An umbilical artery catheter (UAC) allows blood to be taken from an infant at different times, without repeated needle sticks. It can also be used to continuously monitor a baby’s blood pressure.

What is a UAC in the NICU?

An umbilical artery catheter (UAC) is placed in the artery of your baby’s umbilical or navel cord. This catheter is used to obtain frequent blood samples and monitoring of your baby’s blood pressure.

Is a UAC a central line?

The central catheters used in NICU includes umbilical venous catheter (UVC), umbilical arterial catheter (UAC) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines. The tip of these central lines needs to be in a correct position as malpositioned central line tips lead to many neonatal complications.

Can you give blood through UAC?

Blood products can be given via a UAC, but UVC or peripheral/central access preferred. UAC is less preferred, as this may enhance the risk of thrombosis.

How do you pull UVC?

Place one hand gently on the abdomen at the base of the umbilical stump to provide stability, use the other hand to pull out the catheter in a slow (about 2 minutes) and steady manner. 6. Use sterile gauze to hold pressure on the umbilical stump after catheter is removed and ensure bleeding has stopped.

Can you give blood through a UAC?

Is UVC considered central line?

The commonly used CVCs in the NICU are eripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) or “long lines” and umbilical venous catheters (UVCs). A PICC is inserted in one of the major peripheral veins.

How is heparin used to treat catheter occlusion?

Soe suggested that heparin use reduces the incidence of catheter occlusion and increases the life span of the catheter [18]. In a systematic review, Barrington documented that heparin infusion was effective in improving UAC patency in neonates, with no statistically significant evidence of adverse outcomes [19].

Are there randomized controlled trials for heparin?

Randomized controlled trials are necessary to conclusively evaluate the effect of heparin on UVC-related thrombosis. Vascular access is a major challenge in the management of neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

When to do Doppler echocardiography after heparin infusion?

Heparin or placebo (0.5 IU/mL) was infused at a rate of 1 mL/hr to the study and control group. Doppler echocardiography was performed at 1, 3, and 5 days after UVC insertion.

Where does a high UAC on a CXR go?

A high UAC should lie at or above the level of the diaphragm (T6-T10 vertebrae on CXR) and a low UAC between L3 and L5. Never leave a UAC at the level of L1, i.e. opposite the origin of the renal arteries.