European radiology
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Comparative Study
Umbilical venous catheter position: evaluation by ultrasound.
Umbilical venous catheter (UVC) insertion is frequently performed in critically ill neonates, with catheter position evaluated by an abdominal radiograph. The position of the catheter can be difficult to assess based on supine film alone. We aimed to determine whether ultrasound enables precise evaluation of the catheter tip position. ⋯ Our study suggests that ultrasound is reliable and may replace plain radiograph for the identification of the UVC position, preventing complications from malposition, and reducing exposure to ionizing radiation.