Bilateral lower extremity ischemia due to a retained umbilical artery catheter in a preterm neonate

Abstract The use of umbilical artery catheters is common in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, especially in low and very low birth weight neonates. Rarely, these can break or fracture, leading to a retained fragment, which can embolize or cause thrombosis. We present a case of a very low birth weight, 940 grams, premature neonate with a retained umbilical artery catheter that led to bilateral lower extremity ischemia. A laparotomy with aortotomy was performed for retrieval of the catheter. Chronic occlusion of the aorta with collateralization is a long-term complication associated with this case.