World-Class Umbilical Artery Catheterization Services for Your Newborn

Choose GetWellGo for advanced umbilical artery catheterization. World-class newborn care trusted by international families for safety, comfort, and results.

World-Class Umbilical Artery Catheterization Services for Your Newborn

  • Category

    Gynecology

  • Published By

    GetWellGo Team

  • Updated on

    13-Oct-2025

Umbilical artery catheterization in India

Umbilical artery catheterization is a medical operation where a catheter (thin and flexible tube) is inserted through one of umbilical arteries of the newborn. It is mainly applied to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) to:

  • Measure blood pressure on a regular basis.
  • Get regular blood samples without using a needle repeatedly.
  • Give drugs or intravenous fluids to severely ill newborn babies.

Indications

The catheterization of Umbilical artery is usually ordered in:

  • Preterm or the sick neonates that are in need of vital observation.
  • Neonates who are suffering respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Infants who require regular blood gas tests in the arteries.
  • Infants who need observation of their hemodynamic condition or intravenous administration of drugs (e.g., vasoactive drugs)

Procedure

Preparation:

  • Strict sterility is required.
  • Infant is lying on his back.
  • Antiseptic cleansed umbilical stump.

Steps:

  • Umbilical cord is cut and clamped.
  • To insert the catheter a small incision can be made in the cord.
  • One of the two umbilical arteries is replaced by a soft catheter (usually 3.5-5 Fr in the case of neonates).

The catheter is preceded to the right level:

  • High position: T6-T10 (thoracic aorta) to measure the blood pressure properly.
  • Low position: L3-L5 (lumbar aorta) to access blood and blood sample easier.
  • Catheter position is established through X-ray.
  • The catheter is fixated and monitoring of complications is done.

Umbilical artery catheter procedure India

Preparation

  • Setting: NICU in sterile environment, with radiant warmer.

Equipment:

  • Umbilical catheterization tray should be sterile.
  • Umbilical artery catheter (most commonly 3.5 Fr or 5 Fr)
  • Sterile instruments, drapes and gloves.
  • Heparinized saline flush
  • Umbilical tape or suture
  • Vital signs monitoring equipment.
  • Positioning Infant lies on his back, umbilical region exposed.
  • Asepsis: The umbilical stump and the immediately neighboring area are wiped using antiseptic solution.

Procedure Steps

Determine Umbilical Arteries:

  • There is normally two arteries and one vein.
  • The arteries are narrower and have thicker walls; the vein is larger and with thin walls.

Cut Umbilical Cord:

  • Cut the cord to approximately 1-2cm of the skin.

Insert the Catheter:

  • Dilate one artery with a fine forceps.
  • In insert the catheter into the artery and proceed slowly.

Two possible positions:

  • High position: Tip is placed T6 -T9 (above the diaphragm).
  • Low position: Tip at the level L3 or L4 (under the renal arteries).

Secure the Catheter:

  • Fix it using sutures or tape in order to avoid dislocations.

Confirm Placement:

  • Confirmation of catheter tip position is done using X-ray.

Connect to System:

  • Connect to a heparinized saline flush and pressure monitoring system to keep the patency.

Post-Procedure Care

Continuous monitoring of:

  • Vital signs (blood pressure, perfusion, etc.), in particular.
  • Bleeding, infection or blanching of lower limbs site of catheter.
  • Keep sterile technique in all line manipulations.
  • Frequent flushing to avoid clotting.
  • Timely elimination is no longer required (usually in 5-7 days)

Factors Affecting Umbilical artery catheterization cost in India

Unilateral artery catheterization (UAC) cost in India depends on different factors, such as the type of hospital, geographic location, the gestational age of the offspring, and complications. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Hospital Type and Location

  • Private Hospitals: NICU is higher in cities such as Bangalore, and it varies according to the insurance and the condition of the infant. 
  • Tier-2 Cities: Cities such as Guwahati may be low cost, but may lack specialized care.

Gestational Age and Birth Weight

  • Infants with Preterm and Low Birth Weights: Preterm and low weight babies tend to spend more time in NICU, which raises their overall treatment costs.
  • Research Studies have shown that families with babies who weigh between 500-999 grams could be lesser in costs. 

Procedure-Related Factors

  • Catheter Type: Umbilical venous and arterial catheters may be chosen depending on the cost.
  • Ultrasound Guidance: More effective but may add costs to the cost of equipment and trained personnel to use ultrasound in the placement of catheters. 

Associated Complications

  • Infection and Thrombosis: Infections and Thrombosis can result in prolonged hospital stays and further treatment, which are both very costly.

Best hospitals for umbilical artery catheterization in India

Neonatal umbilical artery catheterization in India

Neonatal Umbilical Artery Catheterization is quite a routine and a necessity that is used in acutely ill newborns to allow continuous monitoring and allow easy accessibility to the blood sample or infusion. It is most commonly performed in NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) in case of underdeveloped or critically ill babies.

Purpose

The UAC provides:

  • Arterial blood pressure check on a continuous basis.
  • Repeated blood testing of the artery (particularly blood gases)
  • Fluid/medication access (in others)
  • Determination of cardiovascular stability.

Indications

UAC insertion is advised in:

  • Critically ill or premature babies.
  • A respiratory syndrome called respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Sepsis or shock
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Exchange transfusion
  • Regular blood gas checks are required.

Umbilical artery catheterization treatment in India with GetWellGo

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

  • Complete transparency
  • Fair costs.
  • 24 hour availability.
  • Medical E-visas
  • Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
  • Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for Umbilical Artery Catheterisation treatment.
  • Expert doctor with a strong track record of success
  • Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
  • Language Support
  • Travel and Accommodation Services
  • Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
  • Local SIM Cards
  • Currency Exchange
  • Arranging Patient’s local food

 

Recent Blogs

GetWellGo Team • September 12, 2025

GetWellGo helps international patients access top pelvic organ prolapse treatment in India with expert care, advanced surgery & complete support.

Read More