Improved Visualization of the Umbilical Vessels

Abstract

IN A recent publication the glacial-acetic technique for visualization of the umbilical vessels was described. 1 Three cases with a single umbilical artery have been discovered using this technique in a series of 265 cases (1.13%). In the three cases studied no gross congenital anomalies were observed. 2-8 Technique The technique is as follows: Immediately after birth a 4 inch section of the umbilical cord is placed in a bottle containing glacial acetic acid and left in the solution for 6 to 24 hours. The bottles are placed on their sides to prevent the blood from leaking out of the ends of the cord. The umbilical cords are then examined for the number of vessels at each end. Umbilical cords are held up to the light and the vessels again counted. The umbilical cords have distinct and enlarged vessels at each end. A sharp scissor can be used to cut