The placement of the umbilical venous catheter in the newborn and its relationship to the anatomy of the umbilical vein, ductus venosus and portal venous system.

The importance of lateral as well as AP views for the correct placement of the umbilical venous catheter is stressed. The position of the catheter is related to the anatomy of the ductus venosus which is demonstrated by contrast injection. Air in the portal venous system is not always indicative of a serious process.