Objective To explore the effect of applying the intracavitary electrocardiogram (IC-ECG) with column of normal saline technique in placement of umbilical vein catheter (UVC) in neonates. Methods According to time sequence, 84 newborns to receive UVC placement were divided into two groups,with 42 cases in each group.The control group received UVC placement with traditional method, which required bed-side X-ray imaging of the abdomen and the chest to verify the catheter tip, while the intervention group received UVC placement using the IC-ECG with column of normal saline technique, and then subjected to X-ray imaging method to verify the catheter tip. Results The distribution of catheter tip position between the 2 groups had significant difference （P＜0.01）, with the intervention group enjoying higher rate of correct tip position, and lower rate of deeper tip position, than the controls. Conclusion The application of the IC-ECG with column of 0.9% saline technique in UVC placement, which allowed precise adjustment of catheter tip during catheter insertion, enjoyed higher rate of correct tip position.