Intravenous line and tubes
Disease Information
Overview
Sometimes, babies are too small or too sick to eat or take medications. In these cases, nutrient fluids and medications are often given through your baby’s veins and arteries using tubes that are inserted and remain in place as long as needed. These can also be used for drawing blood, without repeatedly sticking your baby with needles.
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Intravenous (IV) lines are connected to veins close to the surface of your baby’s skin.
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Umbilical catheters are connected to arteries or veins in the remainder of your baby’s umbilical cord.
- Percutaneous linesare placed in deeper veins or arteries for longer terms needs than IV lines.
