UVC insertion has benefits and potential complications such as infection, intestinal necrosis, thrombosis, ascites, hydrothorax, cardiac tamponade, cardiac arrhythmias, pleural effusion, pericarditis and pericardial effusion. The complications may be due to insertion of catheter in an inappropriate location. Imaging procedures such as plain thoracoabdominal x-ray is needed after catheter insertion to specify the location of the catheter tip. In addition to preventing complications, insertion of umbilical venous catheter in an appropriate location is essential for umbilical catheterisation effectiveness. There are different methods to determine the length of catheter which must be inserted in umbilical vessels. The UVC formulae are based on either body surface measurement such as Dunn method, Umbilical to Intermammary Distance (UIMD), Umbilical to Nipple Distance (UN)-1 and birthweight based formula method such as Shukla and Modified Shukla. Shukla and UN-1 Methods have been widely used in the world. However, the accuracy of these two methods in estimating the length of umbilical venous catheter has not still demonstrated.
Umbilical vein catheters (UVC) are commonly inserted in newborns especially neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).These catheters are used since 1959. It is a suitable method for parenteral nutrition access and medications administration. Despite the benefits of the UVC, its potential complications must be considered. Thus, it is vital to determine the appropriate penetration length of the UVC.