The distance to insert an umbilical catheter depends on a number of factors.
Parameters:
(1) distance from a shoulder line to the umbilicus along the midline in cm
(2) insertion vessel
(3) if an arterial catheter, whether high (T6 to T9) or low (L3-L4)
Measurements for the shoulder to umbilicus distance:
(1) an imaginary horizontal line connects both shoulders
(2) an imaginary horizontal line is placed through the umbilicus
(3) the distance in centimeters between these lines is measured
Shoulder to Umbilicus in cm |
Venous Insertion Length |
Low Arterial Insertion Length |
High Arterial Insertion Lenght |
9 |
5.7 |
5.0 |
9.0 |
10 |
6.5 |
5.5 |
10.5 |
11 |
7.2 |
6.3 |
11.5 |
12 |
8.0 |
7.0 |
13.0 |
13 |
8.5 |
7.8 |
14.0 |
14 |
9.5 |
8.5 |
15.0 |
15 |
NA |
9.3 |
16.5 |
16 |
NA |
10.0 |
17.5 |
17 |
NA |
11.0 |
19.0 |
18 |
NA |
12.0 |
20.0 |
Specialty: Cardiology, Pedatrics