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.
© 2020. This is a U.S. government work and not under copyright protection in the U.S.; foreign copyright protection may apply.