Neonatal Venous and Arterial Access

This leaflet tells you how your Doctors can access your baby’s blood vessels.

Why is access needed to my baby’s veins or arteries?

Access is needed to your baby’s veins to provide nutrition until they are clinically stable and tolerating feeds. It is also used to administer (give) medications.

Medications and fluids can be given through a cannula (a fine tube inserted into a vein in the back of your hand or arm using a small fine needle).

However, cannulas don’t last very long and need to be replaced frequently.  To reduce your baby’s discomfort longer lines are preferred.

What are arteries and veins?

Your baby has both arteries and veins:

• Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart.

• Veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Newborn babies also have an umbilicus (belly button) which has both veins and arteries.

Central venous access

Central venous access can be obtained by inserting a catheter

(a narrow flexible tube which allows fluid to pass into or out of the body) into one of the major veins either through belly button (Umbilical venous access) or through a smaller vein until it reaches a point where the vein is much larger.

This is also known as a long line or a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC).

Umbilical Line

Long Line

What will happen during the procedure?

The Doctor or Nurse Practitioner will wear a sterile gown and gloves to minimise the risk of infection.

Your baby will be made as comfortable as possible and may be given pain relief during the procedure.

A catheter will then be inserted.

After the line is placed an x-ray will be carried out to make sure the line is in the correct position.

What are the risks and possible complications?

Complications are not common, but can include:

• Infection

• Blockage / Clot formation

• Leakage

• Bleeding

• Line not placed in the right position

• Bowel perforation

• Heart complications

• Liver complications

Highly trained staff will be present to monitor the lines and will manage and discuss any complications which may develop.

When will the line be removed?

The line will be removed when your baby:

• Is receiving all their nutrition from milk.

• No longer needs medication through venous access.

The line will also be removed if any complications arise.

Contact numbers

If you have any worries or concerns please feel free to ask the Doctor or Nurse who is looking after your baby.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

Special Care Baby Unit
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Telephone: 01642 382723

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet Reference: PIL1010
Date for Review: 02/11/2024