UmbiCalc

Name: UmbiCalc
Author: Yale University

Yale University

VALIDATED

Initial evidence from research studies

For:Clinicians & Healthcare Professionals

Free

Download on the App Store

App Summary

UmbiCalc is a reference tool for clinicians that provides birth weight-based estimations for umbilical arterial and venous catheter insertion lengths in neonates. The associated research found that its novel algorithm achieved successful initial positioning in 90% of umbilical arterial catheters (N=68) and 76% of umbilical venous catheters (N=80). The authors conclude that this approach more accurately estimates insertion length, potentially improving the success rate of initial placements.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism UmbiCalc calculates insertion length estimations for umbilical arterial (UAC) and venous (UVC) catheters in neonates. Developed from the algorithm by Tambasco et al., the system leverages a statistical model derived and validated from a representative neonatal intensive care unit population. The interface requires the input of the neonate's birth weight to generate precise insertion length recommendations for both UACs and UVCs. The calculation is designed for rapid retrieval to support neonatal procedure education.

Evidence & Research Context

The underlying algorithm was developed to improve the accuracy of catheter placement compared to conventional birth weight-based equations.
A retrospective analysis found conventional equations achieved correct initial positioning in 69% of umbilical arterial catheters (UACs) and only 36% of umbilical venous catheters (UVCs).
In a prospective validation study (N=148 catheter placements), the novel UmbiCalc algorithm achieved successful initial positioning in 90% of UACs and 76% of UVCs.
The model was validated across a wide range of birth weights within a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population.

Intended Use & Scope This tool is designed for neonatologists, pediatricians, and advanced practice providers as an educational reference. Its primary utility is to demonstrate a novel calculation method for catheter placement. The app is not intended for direct use in clinical practice or medical care delivery; clinical judgment and institutional protocols must always supersede its estimations.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Effectiveness/Outcome Study

A novel and accurate method for estimating umbilical arterial and venous catheter insertion length

Tambasco et al. (2021) · Journal of Perinatology

Improved catheter positioning success from 69% to 90% for arterial and 36% to 76% for venous lines.

To develop a novel, rapid, and more accurate model for estimating umbilical arterial (UAC) and venous catheter (UVC) insertion length. We evaluated UACs and UVCs from a retrospective cohort to determine the rate of correct initial positioning based on conventional birth weight-based equations utilized in our neonatal intensive care unit. We then derived new equations, developed the mobile application, UmbiCalc, to simplify implementation of the new equations, and validated their accuracy with prospective utilization. The conventional equations successfully predicted insertion length in 69% (364 of 524) of UACs and only 36% (194 of 544) of UVCs. Our new model was prospectively applied to 68 UAC and 80 UVC placements with successful initial positioning achieved in 90% [95% CI, 80.2–94.9] and 76% [95% CI, 65.9–84.2], respectively. Our novel approach more accurately estimates UAC and UVC insertion length.