Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a tube having a first end and a second end. The second end prevents access to an inner wall of the tube. Further, the apparatus includes a valve operably connected to the first end of the tube and configured to provide access to the inner wall of the tube to a guiding member inserted through the valve. The guiding member positions the tube in an umbilical vessel of an umbilical cord prior to occlusion of the umbilical vessel so that the tube remains within the umbilical vessel after occlusion of the umbilical vessel.