How far should a catheter be inserted into the umbilical vein during resuscitation?

In the context of neonatal resuscitation, when a catheter is used to access the umbilical vein, it should typically be inserted to a depth of 2-4 cm. This depth is based on anatomical considerations, ensuring that the catheter is adequately positioned within the vessel to provide effective medication delivery or fluid resuscitation while minimizing the risk of injury to surrounding tissues.

Insertion deeper than 4 cm could potentially lead to complications such as perforation of the vessel or entry into the hepatic veins, which could compromise circulation or introduce risks of injury. Hence, the recommended depth of 2-4 cm strikes an optimal balance between ensuring correct catheter placement and reducing the likelihood of complications during a critical resuscitation scenario.