The femoral artery is the main arterial supply to the lower limb, accessible at the femoral triangle for vascular access (cardiac catheterisation, EVAR, TAVI). The femoral pulse at the mid-inguinal point is the primary peripheral pulse assessment landmark. Femoral artery aneurysms are the second most common peripheral aneurysm (after popliteal), occurring in 3% of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm.
An expanded entry for Femoral Artery.
| Origin | Continuation of the external iliac artery below the inguinal ligament at the mid-inguinal point |
|---|---|
| Course | Descends in the femoral triangle (lateral to femoral vein, medial to femoral nerve), enters Hunter's canal (adductor canal), passes through the adductor hiatus to become the popliteal artery |
| Branches |
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Femoral artery access for cardiac catheterisation uses the Seldinger technique at the common femoral artery (above the bifurcation into superficial and deep femoral). Complications include haematoma, pseudoaneurysm (treated with ultrasound-guided thrombin injection), arteriovenous fistula, and retroperitoneal haemorrhage from high puncture above the inguinal ligament.
Post-catheterisation false aneurysm from incomplete femoral artery puncture site closure managed with ultrasound-guided thrombin injection or surgical repair.
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