ABSTRACT
FEMORAL ARTERY AND VEIN PUNCTURES These vessels are common sites of entry for catheterization of right and left heart chambers for electrophysiologic recordings. The femoral artery typically begins in the midpoint of the inguinal ligament and ends at the junction of the middle and lower third of the thigh to become the popliteal artery. Its proximal course of about 4 cm lies within the femoral sheath and the arterial pulse can be felt at the inguinal skin crease. The femoral vein lies medial to the femoral artery, approximately one finger-breadth medial to the femoral artery. Adequate local anesthesia is given before vessel puncture to ensure patient comfort and cooperation.
