Patent ID: 8105308

Claim:
A method of permanently placing a tube within an umbilical vessel of a newborn, the method comprising: inserting, with a guiding member, a tube into an umbilical vessel in an umbilical cord prior to occlusion of the umbilical vessel, wherein the tube is configured to have dimensions so that the tube remains in a fixed position within the umbilical vessel of an umbilical cord both prior to and after the occlusion of the umbilical vessel; the tube having a first end and a second end, the second end being closed; and a valve operably connected to the first end of the tube and configured to provide access to the interior of the tube to the guiding member; wherein the tube is impermeable; removing the guiding member from the tube; and clamping the umbilical cord, whereby the tube is permanently placed within the umbilical vessel of the newborn.