Valleywise Health Adopted New Infant Safety System
New umbilical line securement technology helps protect premature and critically ill infants at the Phoenix hospital.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Babies
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Valleywise Health has implemented the LifeBubble Umbilical Line Securement System to better protect premature and critically ill infants. This technology secures umbilical catheters, which are frequently required for the care of vulnerable newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Why it matters
The system is designed to minimize catheter migration and malposition, which are common risks for neonates requiring intravenous support. Reducing these complications helps ensure that critical treatments reach infants securely while they are receiving specialized care.
Clinical studies published in the Journal of Perinatology, conducted in Oregon and Stanford, California, evaluated the utility of umbilical line securement systems. The findings demonstrated the technology's role in maintaining catheter stability, though long-term clinical outcomes are still being monitored.
The players
Valleywise Health
A public teaching hospital system in Phoenix that provides specialized neonatal intensive care services.
100+ Women Who Care Valley of the Sun
A philanthropic organization that provided a grant exceeding $12,000 to fund the new neonatal technology.
The details
The LifeBubble system provides a structured mechanism to keep umbilical catheters firmly in place, preventing unintended movement or displacement. By physically securing the lines, the system lowers the risk of malposition, which could otherwise disrupt necessary medication or nutrient delivery. Nursing staff at the hospital worked alongside the Valleywise Health Foundation to integrate this tool into standard NICU protocols.
Timeline
Clinical studies were published in the Journal of Perinatology throughout 2024.
A news release regarding the technology implementation was issued on June 30, 2026.
Health Landscape
This implementation aligns with ongoing research in the Journal of Perinatology focused on optimizing neonatal vascular access. It marks a broader shift toward adopting evidence-based securement systems to reduce catheter-related complications in intensive care environments.
Parents with infants in the neonatal unit may notice new securement tools being used for their child's intravenous lines. It is helpful to ask your NICU nurse about how these devices work to keep treatments secure during your infant's stay.
The takeaway
Advancements in neonatal technology focus on increasing the stability of life-saving medical devices. Parents can feel encouraged by hospital efforts to implement evidence-based tools that aim to improve the safety of premature and critically ill newborns.
Further reading
For more on neonatal care and infant health, visit Babies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis.
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