Femoral line

Q: For femoral central line, it helps to? (select one)

A) abduct the leg
B) adduct the leg


Answer; A

Positioning to place any CVC plays an important role in its success. For femoral central line, few tricks may help. Ideally, the patient should be placed supine. Abducting the target leg and rotating externally 15 degrees open the femoral triangle. Also, elevating the buttock with rolled bed-sheets or pillows helps in better exposure to femoral vessels.

#procedures


Reference:

1. Kim W, Chung RK, Lee GY, Han JI. The effects of hip abduction with external rotation and reverse Trendelenburg position on the size of the femoral vein; ultrasonographic investigation. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2011;61(3):205–209. doi:10.4097/kjae.2011.61.3.205

2. Bannon MP, Heller SF, Rivera M. Anatomic considerations for central venous cannulation. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2011; 4:27.