However, the incidence of platelet thrombi on the outside of the catheter and associated thromboembolic phenomena were not affected. A catheter introduced into the umbilical artery will usually pass into the aorta from the internal iliac artery. Occasionally, it will pass into the femoral artery via the external iliac artery or into one of the gluteal arteries. The latter two sites are unsuitable for sampling, pressure measurement, or infusion. One of two positions for the tip of the cather can be chosen.
High position is associated with fewer episodes of blanching and cyanosis of the lower extremities.
3 to 4 - catheter tip is below major aortic branches, such as renal, and the mesenterics. This coincides with the aortic bifurcation at the upper end of the fourth vertebra. Catheter tip is above the celiac axis and below the ductus arteriosus. Complications Catherization of the umbilical artery is probably always associated with some degree of reversible damage to the arterial intima. Refractory hypoglycemia with catheter tip opposite celiac axis.