Abstract: An umbilical arterial catherization device comprising a brace and a dilator. The brace has a body for supporting and stabilizing an umbilical cord end. The body may have resilient foam for grasping the umbilical cord, and may include a strap operable to secure part of the body to itself, after being wrapped around the umbilical cord. The dilator has a hook for engaging an open end of an arterial lumen, and a catch operable to fix the dilator to the brace in a position for dilating the arterial lumen. Both hands may be used to place the dilator while the device serves to stabilize and support the umbilical cord without use of the hands. The device may include a lighting element for illuminating the end of the umbilical cord to aid in visualization of the arterial lumen and facilitate proper placement of the catch within the arterial lumen.