Medical Health Encyclopedia

Umbilical catheters

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF UMBILICAL CATHETERS?

As the UAC is placed into the main artery of the body (the aorta), the most serious risk is interruption of the blood supply to an organ (intestines, kidney, liver) or limb (leg or rear-end). Another serious risk is the formation of a large blood clot along the catheter.

Either of these complications can be life-threatening and require removal of the UAC. The NICU nurses carefully monitor your baby for these possible problems. The risks associated with UVCs include blood clot formation and infection.

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