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Fingertip ultrasound evaluation of umbilical catheter position in the neonatal intensive care unit compared to conventional ultrasound radiography: a preliminary investigation

Journal of Perinatology volume 41, pages 1627–1632 (2021)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of the study is to compare conventional linear and fingertip ultrasound transducers, for the evaluation of umbilical catheters, with radiography. Fingertip ultrasound transducers have the potential to simplify sonographic examination due to their small size and ability to fit on a finger.

Study design

A prospective, IRB approved comparative study was performed. Linear and fingertip sonographic images were obtained around the same time as a radiograph in neonates with umbilical catheters by two board certified pediatric radiologists and a radiology resident. The positions of catheters were then compared across all three modalities.

Result

A total of 41 catheters were evaluated, which included 14 arterial and 27 venous catheters. Two venous catheters were not identified by the linear transducer and one arterial catheter tip was not identified by the fingertip transducer.

Conclusion

A fingertip ultrasound probe can be used to evaluate umbilical catheter positioning for potentially faster sonographic examination and decrease the need for repeated radiation.

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Fig. 1: Sonivate SonicEye® fingertip linear array 13 MHz ultrasound transducer.
Fig. 2: Sonivate SonicEye® fingertip linear array 13 MHz ultrasound transducer (top).
Fig. 3: Conventional ultrasound probe shows the UVC within the right atrium.
Fig. 4: Fingertip ultrasound probe demonstrates the UVC within the right atrium.

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Acknowledgements

The views expressed in this abstract/manuscript are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the US Government. The authors would like to thank Mr. Mike Lustik at the TAMC DCI for statistical support and assistance with the experimental design.

Funding

All direct funding came from Army Advanced Medical Technology Initiative AAMTI/TATRC. A grant totaling $160,000 from the Army Advanced Medical Technology Initiative (AAMTI) was awarded and used for research support. The company, Sonivate Medical who makes the SonicEye® devices donated the devices through a collaborative agreement. Sonivate Medical had no control over any part of the research protocol or what was reported in the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Tripler Army Medical Center, 1 Jarrett White Road, Honolulu, HI, 96859, USA

    Jonathan R. Wood, Neil R. Halonen & Veronica J. Rooks

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, East Carolina Brody School of Medicine, 600 Moye Blvd, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA

    Kelly A. Bear

  3. Department of Clinical Investigation, Tripler Army Medical Center, 1 Jarrett White Road, Honolulu, HI, 96859, USA

    Carmen E. Campbell

  4. Department of Neonatology, Tripler Army Medical Center, 1 Jarrett White Road, Honolulu, HI, 96859, USA

    Patricia A. Wilhelm

  5. Department of Neonatology, Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women and Children, 1319 Punahou Street, Honolulu, HI, 96826, USA

    Emmanuel R. E. Kling

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  1. Jonathan R. Wood
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  2. Neil R. Halonen
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  7. Veronica J. Rooks
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Contributions

JRW maintained all research-related data and documents, wrote the majority of the article, obtained consents and performed multiple ultrasounds for the study, analyzed data. NRH contributed to protocol development, performed ultrasounds, gathered and collected data, maintained the data, revised article. KAB, Principal investigator, who wrote the AAMTI proposal, obtained the grant, help develop the protocol, obtained consents, and performed ultrasounds, revised article. CEC, Research coordinator, who assisted with obtaining and maintaining the grant, protocol development, coordinated IRB submission and approval process with study team, analyzed data, and helped write the article. PAW, NICU nurse, who maintained the equipment and ultrasound machines, helped obtain consents. EREK helped obtain consents and maintained data and documents for the study. VJR helped with protocol development, performed ultrasounds, helped analyze data, and revised the article.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jonathan R. Wood.

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Wood, J.R., Halonen, N.R., Bear, K.A. et al. Fingertip ultrasound evaluation of umbilical catheter position in the neonatal intensive care unit compared to conventional ultrasound radiography: a preliminary investigation. J Perinatol 41, 1627–1632 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-020-00836-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-020-00836-3

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