Overview
An umbilical catheter is a long, soft plastic tube (usually made of silicone) that is placed in the umbilical cord either through the umbilical artery or umbilical vein to allow IV fluids and medications to be given over an extended period of time.
Review Date 11/6/2023
Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.