The deep femoral artery arises from the femoral artery. Lower limb arteries. Femoral artery. Groin area: anatomy, possible diseases and their treatment. Inguinal hernia

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The barrel is 8 mm in diameter. What are the branches of the common femoral artery and where are they located?

Location

The artery of the thigh starts from the iliac trunk. On the outside of the leg, the canal extends down into a groove between the muscle tissues.

A third of its upper part is in the thigh triangle, where it is located between the leaves of the femoral fascia. A vein runs next to the artery. These vessels are protected by the tailor muscle tissue, they extend beyond the boundaries of the femoral triangle and enter the opening of the adduction canal located above.

In the same place there is a nerve located under the skin. The femoral branches go back a little, moving through the canal opening, go to the back of the leg and enter the area under the knee. At this site, the femoral canal ends and the popliteal artery begins.

Main branches

Several branches extend from the main blood stem, which supply blood to the thighs of the legs and the anterior surface of the peritoneum. Which branches are included can be seen in the following table:

At this point, it stretches under the skin, reaching the navel, it merges with other branches. The activity of the epigastric superficial artery is to provide blood to the skin, the walls of the external oblique muscle tissues of the abdomen.

The remaining branches move over the comb muscle, pass through the fascia and go to the genitals.

Inguinal branches

They originate from the external genital arteries, after which they reach the wide femoral fascia. PVs provide blood supply to the skin, tissues, lymph nodes located in the groin.

Deep artery of the thigh

It starts at the back of the joint, just below the groin. This is the largest branch. The vessel stretches along the muscle tissues, goes first outward, then goes down the femoral artery. Then the branch moves between the muscles of the area in question. The trunk ends in about the lower third of the thigh and is directed into the perforating arterial canal.

The vessel that bends around the femur leaves the deep trunk, heading into the depths of the limb. After that, it passes around the neck of the femur bone.

Branches of the medial canal

The medial artery has branches around the femur. These include branches:

Ascending. It is presented in the form of a small trunk that runs at the top and inside. Then several more branches depart from the vessel, heading towards the tissues.
Transverse. Thin, goes to the lower zone along the surface of the comb muscle to pass between it and the adductor muscle tissue. The vessel supplies blood to the nearby muscles.
Deep. It is the largest in size. It moves to the back of the thigh, passes between the muscles and branches into two components.
Acetabular vessel. It is a thin branch that enters the other arteries of the lower extremities. Together, they supply blood to the hip joint.

Lateral trunk

The lateral artery bends around the thigh bone, leaves the surface of the deep canal outward.

After that, it is removed to the outer region of the anterior iliopsoas, posterior sartorius and rectus muscles. It approaches the greater trochanter of the thigh bone and breaks down into:

Ascending branch. It moves to the top, goes under the tissue surrounding the fascia of the thigh and the gluteus muscle.
Descending branch. It is powerful enough. It starts from the outer wall of the main trunk, runs under the rectus femur muscle, goes down between the tissues of the legs, nourishing them. Then it comes to the knee zone, connects to the branches of the artery located under the knee. Passing through the muscles, it supplies blood to the quadriceps femoral muscle, after which it is divided into several branches moving to the skin of the limb.

Cross branch. It is presented in the form of a small trunk. The vessel produces blood supply to the proximal rectus and lateral muscle tissue.

Piercing channels

There are only 3 such trunks. They start from the deep femoral artery in its different parts. Vessels move to the back of the thigh at the point where the muscles connect to the bone.

The first perforating vessel departs from the lower zone of the comb muscle, the second from the short, and the third from the long adductor tissue. These vessels pass through the muscles at the site from the junction with the hip bone.

Then the perforating arteries go towards the posterior femoral surface. Provides blood to the muscles and skin in this part of the limb. Several more branches depart from them.

Descending artery of the knee

This vessel is very long. It starts from the femoral artery in the adductor canal. But it can also depart from the lateral vessel, which bends around the thigh bone. This is much less common.

The artery goes down, intertwines with a nerve under the skin, then goes to the surface of the tendon plate, passes from the back of the tailor's tissue. After this, the vessel moves around the inner femoral condyle. It ends in the muscles and knee joint.

The descending trunk of the knee has the following branches:

Subcutaneous. It is located deep in the medial wide tissue of the limb.
Articular. This femoral branch is involved in the formation of a network of joints of the knee and patella.

Vascular disorders

There are a large number of different pathologies that affect the circulatory system, which leads to disruption of the body's activity. The branch of the artery of the femoral part is also subject to diseases. The most common ones are:

Atherosclerosis. This ailment is characterized by the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels. The presence of this pathology increases the risk of thromboembolism. A large accumulation of deposits causes weakening and damage to its walls, impairs permeability.
Thrombosis. The disease is the formation of blood clots that can lead to dangerous consequences. If a blood clot closes the vessel, the leg tissue will begin to die off. This leads to limb amputation or death.
Aneurysm. The disease is no less life-threatening for patients. With it, a protrusion occurs on the surface of the artery, the vessel wall becomes thinner and more vulnerable to damage. A ruptured aneurysm can be fatal due to rapid and massive blood loss.

The indicated pathological conditions proceed without clinical manifestations in the first stages, which makes it difficult to detect them in a timely manner. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check for circulatory problems.

If one of the pathologies is identified, the treatment regimen should be prescribed exclusively by the doctor. In no case can you ignore these violations.

Thus, the femoral artery has a complex structure, a large number of branches. Each vessel performs its role, supplying blood to the skin and other areas of the lower limb.

Femoral artery

The femoral artery (a. Femoralis) is a continuation of the external iliac artery from the level of the inguinal ligament. Its diameter is 8 mm. In the upper part of the femoral triangle, the femoral artery is located under the lamina cribrosa on the fascia iliopectinea, surrounded by fatty tissue and deep inguinal lymph nodes (Fig. 409). The femoral vein runs medial to the artery. The femoral artery together with the vein is medial to m. sartorius in the depression formed by m. iliopsoas and m. pectineus; lateral to the artery lies the femoral nerve. In the middle of the thigh, this artery is covered by the sartorius muscle. In the lower part of the thigh, the artery, passing through the canalis adductorius, enters the popliteal fossa, where it is called the popliteal artery.

409. Femoral artery.

1 - a. epigastrica superficialis; 2 - a. circumflexa ilium superficialis; 3 - a. femoralis; 4 - hiatus saphenus; 5 - a. spermatica externa; 6 - nodi lymphatici inguinales superficiales; 7 - v. saphena; 8 - funiculus spermaticus; 9 - a. pudenda externa; 10 - canalis vastoadductorius; 11 - a. femoralis; 12 - a. circumflexa femoris lateralis; 13 - a. profunda femoris; 14 - a. circumflexa femoris lateralis; 15 - v. femoralis; 16 - a. circumflexa ilium superficialis; 17 - a. epigastrica superficialis.

Branches of the femoral artery:

1. Superficial epigastric artery (a. Epigastrica superficialis), starting under the lig. inguinale, goes to the anterior abdominal wall, supplies it with blood, anastomoses with the superior epigastric artery, which is a branch of a. thoracica interna, with intercostal arteries, with superficial and deep arteries surrounding the ilium.

2. The superficial artery that bends around the ilium (a. Circumflexa ilium superficialis) begins with the superficial epigastric artery and reaches the ilium, where it anastomoses with the deep artery that bends around the ilium and branches of the deep artery of the thigh.

3. External genital arteries (aa. Pudendae externae), number 1-2, depart from the medial wall at the level of the beginning of the deep artery of the thigh, pass in the subcutaneous tissue in front of the femoral vein. They supply blood to the scrotum, pubis, and in women, the labia majora.

4. The deep thigh artery (a. Profunda femoris) has a diameter of 6 mm, departs 3-4 cm below the inguinal ligament from the posterior surface of the femoral artery, forms the medial and lateral branches.

The medial artery, which bends around the femur (a. Circumflexa femoris medialis), starts from the posterior wall of the deep artery of the femur and through I - 2 cm is divided into superficial, deep transverse and acetabular branches. These branches supply blood to the adductor muscles of the thigh, obturator and square muscles, the neck of the femur, the joint capsule. The artery anastomoses with the obturator, lower gluteal and lateral artery surrounding the femur.

The lateral artery, enveloping the femur (a. Circumflexa femoris lateralis), originates from the lateral wall of the deep artery of the thigh and after 1.5 - 3 cm is divided under m. sartorius and m. rectus femoris into the ascending, descending and transverse branches. The descending branch is more developed than the others and supplies blood to the anterior thigh muscles. Ascending branch, passing under m. rectus femoris and m. tensor fasciae latae), bends around the femoral neck and anastomoses with the medial artery. The transverse ramus supplies blood to the muscles of the middle of the thigh.

Perforating arteries (aa. Perforantes), number 3 - 4, represent the terminal branches of the deep artery of the thigh. They pass to the back of the thigh through m. adductor longus et magnus. They supply blood to the adductors and the posterior muscles of the thigh, the femur. Anastomosis is performed with the branches of the deep artery of the thigh, superior and inferior gluteal and obturator arteries listed above.

5. The descending knee artery (a. Genus descendens) starts from the end of the femoral artery within the adductor canal of the thigh (canalis adductorius). Together with n. saphenus leaves the canal above the knee joint from the medial side. Supplies blood to the medial head of the quadriceps femoris muscle, the joint capsule. Anastomoses with the branches of the popliteal artery.

Where is the groin in men?

The groin, or groin, is the portion of the lower edge of the abdomen that adjoins the thigh. In the groin there is an inguinal canal through which sufficiently large blood vessels of the thigh and the spermatic cord pass. Most often, groin pain indicates the presence of an inguinal hernia. But also groin pain in men can be associated with the presence of infections in the pelvic region, enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes, the presence of kidney stones and a stone in the ureter, pinching of the nerve by the spinal disc, urinary infections and inflammations that can cause pain and other symptoms in groin area. Redness, plaque, rash in the area of \u200b\u200bthe reproductive organs, as a rule, signal an STI.

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Where is the groin?

Everyone should know the structure of the human body. Consider where the groin is. This area is located below the abdominal region and is adjacent to the thigh. The groin area has a regular shape resembling the outline of a right-angled triangle.

Features of the groin area

Among the layers of this area are:

skin;
subcutaneous tissue;
fascia - a shell of muscles;
internal muscles: transverse and oblique;
preperitoneal tissue;
peritoneum.

The groin area is characterized by significant development of sebaceous as well as sweat glands. The layer of subcutaneous fat is differently expressed in women and men. The thickness of this layer becomes greater directly at the inguinal ring. The following arteries pass inside the subcutaneous tissue:

superficial epigastric;
superficial surrounding iliac.

The nerves passing through the fiber belong to the terminal branches. The muscle fibers lie parallel to the inguinal ligament, a fibrous band that covers the space in front of the pelvis. Women have more advanced oblique muscles than men.

Also in this area is the inguinal canal, in which:

in men there is a spermatic cord;
in women - a round ligament of the uterus.

The inguinal canal is directed towards the center of this area and ends with an outlet, also called a superficial ring. The following are the walls of the inguinal canal:

upper, consisting of fibers of abdominal muscles;
lower, in the form of a shallow groove;
anterior, formed by the external as well as internal oblique muscles;
posterior, formed by a thickened fascia.

The approximate length of the abdominal canal in an adult is about 4 cm; in children, it is much shorter.

Now you know where the inguinal canal is located, and what are the features of its structure. You may also find a helpful article What to do if you smell.

Groin area

The inguinal region (ilio-inguinal) is bounded from above by a line connecting the anterior-superior spine of the iliac bones, from below by the inguinal fold, and from the inside by the outer edge of the rectus abdominis muscle (Fig.).

The boundaries of the groin area (ABC), the inguinal triangle (GDV) and the inguinal space (E).

In the groin area is the inguinal canal - a slit-like space between the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall, containing the spermatic cord in men. and in women, the round ligament of the uterus.

The skin of the groin area is thin, mobile and forms an inguinal fold on the border with the thigh area; the superficial hypogastric artery and vein are located in the subcutaneous layer of the groin. The aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle of the abdomen, spreading between the anterior-superior spine of the ilium and the pubic tubercle, forms the inguinal ligament. The internal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles are located behind the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle of the abdomen. The deep layers of the anterior abdominal wall are formed by the transverse fascia of the abdomen located medially from the muscle of the same name, preperitoneal tissue and parietal peritoneum. The inferior epigastric artery and vein pass in the preperitoneal tissue. The lymphatic vessels of the skin of the inguinal region are directed to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes, and from the deep layers to the deep inguinal and iliac lymph nodes. Innervation of the groin area is carried out by the ilio-hypogastric, ilio-inguinal and the branch of the genital-femoral nerve.

In the groin area, groin hernias are not uncommon (see), lymphadenitis arising from inflammatory diseases of the lower limb, pelvic organs. Sometimes there are cold congestions descending from the lumbar spine with tuberculous lesions, as well as metastases to the inguinal lymph nodes with cancer of the external genital organs.

The inguinal region (regio inguinalis) is a part of the antero-lateral abdominal wall, the lateral part of the hypogastrium (hypogastrium). Borders of the area: from below - the inguinal ligament (lig. Inguinalis), the medial-lateral edge of the rectus abdominis muscle (m. Rectus abdominis), from above is a segment of the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spines (Fig. 1).

The inguinal canal is located in the inguinal region, occupying only its lower medial section; therefore, it is advisable to call this entire area ileo-inguinal (regio ilioinguinalis), highlighting in it a department called the inguinal triangle. The latter is bounded from below by the inguinal ligament, by the medial-lateral edge of the rectus abdominis muscle, from above by a horizontal line drawn from the border between the lateral and middle third inguinal ligaments to the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis muscle.

The structural features of the groin area in men are due to the process of lowering the testicle and the changes that the groin area undergoes during the embryonic period of development. In the muscles of the abdominal wall, a defect remains due to the fact that part of the muscle and tendon fibers went to the formation of the muscle that lifts the testicle (m. Cremaster) and its fascia. This defect is referred to in topographic anatomy as the inguinal gap, which was first described in detail by S.N. Yashchinsky. The boundaries of the inguinal gap: at the top - the lower edges of the internal oblique (m. Obliquus abdominis int.) And transverse abdominal muscles (i.e. transversus abdominis), below - the inguinal ligament, medial-lateral edge of the rectus muscle.

The skin of the groin area is relatively thin and mobile, on the border with the thigh it is fused with the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, as a result of which an inguinal fold is formed. Hair cover in men occupies a larger area than in women. The scalp contains many sweat and sebaceous glands.

The subcutaneous tissue looks like large fatty lobules, collected in layers. The superficial fascia (fascia superficialis) consists of two sheets, of which the superficial passes to the thigh, and the deep, more durable than the superficial, is attached to the inguinal ligament. The superficial arteries are represented by the branches of the femoral artery (a.femoralis): superficial epigastric, superficial, circumflex iliac bone, and external pudendal (aa epigastrica superficialis, circumflexa ilium superficialis and pudenda ext.). They are accompanied by the same veins flowing into the femoral vein or into the great saphenous vein (v. Saphena magna), and in the navel, the superficial epigastric vein (v. Epigastrica superficialis) anastomoses with vv. thoracoepigas-tricae and thus the connection between the axillary and femoral vein systems is carried out. Cutaneous nerves - branches of the hypochondrium, ilio-hypogastric and ilio-inguinal nerves (m. Subcostalis, iliohypogastricus, ilioinguinalis) (printing. Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. On the right - m. obliquus int. abdominis with nerves located on it, on the left - m. traasversus abdominis with the vessels and nerves located on it: 1 - m. rectus abdominis; 2, 4, 22 and 23 - nn. intercostales XI and XII; 3 - m. transversus abdominis; 5 and 24 - m. obliquus ext. abdominis; 6 and 21 - m. obliquus int. abdominis; 7 and 20 - a. iliohypogastricus; 8 and 19 - n. ilioinguinalis; 9 - a. circumflexa ilium profunda; 10 - fascia transversalis et fascia spermatica int .; 11 - ductus deferens; 12 - lig. interfoveolare; 13 - falx inguinalis; 14 - m. pyramidalis; 15 - crus mediale (crossed); 16 - lig. reflexum; 17 - m. cremaster; 18 - ramus genitalis n. genitofemoral.

Fig. 1. Boundaries of the groin area, inguinal triangle and inguinal space: ABC - inguinal area; DEC - inguinal triangle; F - inguinal space.

The diverting lymphatic vessels of the skin are directed to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes.

The intrinsic fascia, which looks like a thin plate, is attached to the inguinal ligament. These fascial sheets prevent the inguinal hernia from dropping onto the thigh. The external oblique muscle of the abdomen (m. Obliquus abdominis ext.), Having a direction from top to bottom and from outside to inside, does not contain muscle fibers within the inguinal region. Below the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine with the navel (linea spinoumbilicalis), there is an aponeurosis of this muscle, which has a characteristic pearlescent sheen. The longitudinal fibers of the aponeurosis are overlapped by the transverse ones, in the formation of which, in addition to the aponeurosis, the elements of the Thomson plate and the abdominal fascia itself are involved. There are longitudinal slits between the fibers of the aponeurosis, the number and extent of which varies greatly, as does the severity of the transverse fibers. Yu. A. Yartsev describes differences in the structure of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle (Fig. 2 and color. Fig. 2), which determine its unequal strength.

Fig. 2. On the right - the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle of the abdomen and the nerves passing through it, on the left - superficial vessels and nerves: 1 - rami cutanei lat. abdominales nn. intercostales XI and XII; 2 - ramus cutaneus lat. n. iliohypogastrici; 3 - a. et v. circumflexae ilium superficiales; 4 - a. et v. epigastricae superficiales, n. iliohypogastricus; 5 - funiculus spermaticus, a. et v. pudendae ext .; 6 - crus mediale (pulled up); 7 - lig. reflexum; 8 - ductus deferens and the surrounding vessels; 9 - ramus genitalis n. genitofemoralis; 10 - n. ilioinguinalis; 11 - lig. inguinale; 12 - m. obliquus ext. abdominis and its aponeurosis.

Fig. 2. Differences in the structure of the aponeurosis of the external oblique abdominal muscle (according to Yartsev).

A strong aponeurosis, which is characterized by well-defined transverse fibers and the absence of cracks, can withstand a load of up to 9 kg and is found in 1/4 of cases.

A weak aponeurosis with a significant number of slits and a small number of transverse fibers can withstand a load of up to 3.3 kg and occurs in 1/3 of cases. These data are important for evaluating various methods of plastic surgery for inguinal hernia repair.

The most important from a practical point of view, the formation of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle is the inguinal ligament (lig. Inguinale), otherwise called the pipart, or fallopian; it is stretched between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic tubercle. Some authors consider it as a complex complex of tendon-fascial elements.

Due to the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, lacunar (lig.lacunare) and twisted (lig.reflexum) ligaments are also formed. With its lower edge, the lacunar ligament continues into the scallop ligament (lig.pectineale).

Deeper than the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle is the internal oblique, the course of the fibers of which is opposite to the direction of the external oblique: they go from bottom to top and from outside to inside. Between both oblique muscles, that is, in the first intermuscular layer, the ilio-hypogastric and ilio-inguinal nerves pass. From the internal oblique muscle, as well as from the anterior wall of the vagina of the rectus abdominis muscle and in about 25% of cases, muscle fibers depart from the transverse abdominal muscle, forming the muscle that lifts the testicle.

Deeper than the internal oblique muscle is the transverse abdominal muscle (m. Transversus abdominis), and between them, that is, in the second intermuscular layer, there are vessels and nerves: subcostal with the vessels of the same name, thin lumbar arteries and veins, branches of the ilio-hypogastric and ilio-inguinal nerves (the main trunks of these nerves penetrate into the first intermuscular layer), a deep artery that bends around the ilium (a. circumflexa ilium profunda).

The deepest layers of the groin area are formed by the transverse fascia (fascia transversalis), preperitoneal tissue (tela subserosa peritonei parietalis) and the parietal peritoneum. The transverse fascia is connected to the inguinal ligament, and along the midline is attached to the upper edge of the symphysis.

The preperitoneal tissue separates the peritoneum from the transverse fascia.

In this layer, the lower epigastric artery (a.epigastrica inf.) And the deep artery that bends around the ilium (a.circumflexa ilium prof.) - branches of the external iliac artery pass. At the navel a. epigastrica inf. anastomoses with the terminal branches of the superior epigastric artery (a. epigastrica sup.) - from the internal thoracic artery - a. thoracica int. From the initial section of the lower epigastric artery, the artery of the muscle that lifts the testicle (a. Cremasterica) departs. The diverting lymphatic vessels of the muscles and aponeuroses of the inguinal region run along the lower epigastric and deep circumflex of the iliac bone of the artery and are directed mainly to the external iliac lymph nodes located on the external iliac artery. There are anastomoses between the lymphatic vessels of all layers of the groin area.

The parietal peritoneum (peritoneum parietale) forms a number of folds and fossae in the groin area (see. Abdominal wall). It does not reach the inguinal ligament by about 1 cm.

Located within the inguinal region, immediately above the inner half of the pupar ligament, the inguinal canal (canalis inguinalis) represents the gap between the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. It is formed in men as a result of the movement of the testicle in uterine life and contains the spermatic cord (funiculus spermaticus); in women, there is a round ligament of the uterus in this gap. The direction of the channel is oblique: from top to bottom, from outside to inside and from back to front. Canal length in men is 4-5 cm; in women, it is several millimeters longer, but narrower than in men.

There are four walls of the inguinal canal (anterior, posterior, upper and lower) and two holes, or rings (superficial and deep). The anterior wall is the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle of the abdomen, the posterior wall is the transverse fascia, the upper wall is the lower edges of the internal oblique and transverse muscles of the abdomen, the lower one is the groove formed by the fibers of the inguinal ligament bent posteriorly and upward. According to P.A.Kupriyanov, N.I.Kukudzhanov, and others, the specified structure of the anterior and upper walls of the inguinal canal is observed in people suffering from inguinal hernia, while in healthy people the anterior wall is formed not only by the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, but also by the fibers of the internal oblique , and the upper wall - the lower edge of the transverse abdominal muscle only (Fig. 3).

If you open the inguinal canal and displace the spermatic cord, then the above-mentioned inguinal gap will be revealed, the bottom of which is formed by the transverse fascia, which at the same time constitutes the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. This wall from the medial side is strengthened by the inguinal sickle, or the connected tendon (falx inguinalis, s. Tendo conjunctivus) of the internal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles, closely connected with the outer edge of the rectus muscle by discrepancies - inguinal, lacunar, scallop. From the outside, the bottom of the inguinal gap is reinforced with an interwell ligament (lig. Interfoveolare), located between the inner and outer inguinal fossa.

In people with an inguinal hernia, the relationship between the muscles that make up the walls of the inguinal canal changes. The lower edge of the internal oblique muscle in them goes up and together with the transverse muscle forms the upper wall of the canal. The anterior wall is formed only by the aponeurosis of the external oblique abdominal muscle. With a significant height of the inguinal gap (over 3 cm), conditions are created for herniation. If the internal oblique muscle (most of all the elements of the anterior abdominal wall opposing intra-abdominal pressure) is located above the spermatic cord, then the posterior wall of the inguinal canal with a relaxed aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle cannot resist intra-abdominal pressure for a long time (P.A.Kupriyanov).

The outlet of the inguinal canal is the superficial inguinal ring (anulus inguinalis superficialis), formerly called the external, or subcutaneous. It is a gap in the fibers of the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle of the abdomen, forming two legs, of which the upper (or medial - crus mediale) is attached to the upper edge of the symphysis, and the lower (or lateral - crus laterale) - to the pubic tubercle. Sometimes there is a third, deep (back) leg - lig. reflexum. Both legs at the apex of the gap formed by them are intersected by fibers running transversely and arcuately (fibrae intercrurales) and turning the gap into a ring. Ring sizes for men: base width - 1-1.2 cm, distance from base to top (height) - 2.5 cm; it usually misses the tip of the index finger in healthy men. In women, the size of the superficial inguinal ring is about 2 times smaller than in men. At the level of the superficial inguinal ring, the medial inguinal fossa is projected.

The entrance to the inguinal canal is the deep (inner) inguinal ring (anulus inguinalis profundus). It represents a funnel-shaped protrusion of the transverse fascia, which is formed during the embryonic development of the elements of the spermatic cord. Due to the transverse fascia, a common membrane of the spermatic cord and testicle is formed.

The deep groin ring in men and women has approximately the same diameter (1-1.5 cm), and most of it is filled with a fatty lump. The deep ring lies 1-1.5 cm above the middle of the pupar ligament and about 5 cm above and outward from the superficial ring. At the level of the deep inguinal ring, the lateral inguinal fossa is projected. The lower medial part of the deep ring is strengthened by the intercellular ligament and fibers of the ilio-pubic cord, the upper lateral part is devoid of formations that strengthen it.

On top of the spermatic cord and its membranes is the muscle that lifts the testicle with the fascia, and the superficial fascia spermatica ext. formed mainly due to the Thomson plate and its own fascia of the abdomen. The ilio-inguinal nerve adjoins the spermatic cord (in women, the round ligament of the uterus) within the inguinal canal, and the branch of the inguinal-femoral nerve (ramus genitalis n. Genitofemoralis) is below.

Pathology. The most frequent pathological processes are congenital and acquired hernias (see) and inflammation of the lymph nodes (see Lymphadenitis).

Fig. 3. Diagram of the structure of the inguinal canal in healthy men (left) and in patients with inguinal hernia (right) on a sagittal section (according to Kupriyanov): 1 - transverse abdominal muscle; 2 - transverse fascia; 3 - inguinal ligament; 4 - spermatic cord; 5 - internal oblique muscle of the abdomen; 6 - aponeurosis of the external oblique abdominal muscle.

Groin area: anatomy, possible diseases and their treatment. Inguinal hernia

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Where is a person's groin?

The human groin is located in the lower abdominal region. A canal passes through the groin, into which the large veins and arteries of the thighs and the inguinal cord (in men) or the ligament of the uterus (in women) are enclosed. The very word "Groin", in the dictionary of V.I. Dahl, is interpreted as a depression, a depression.

Groin pain is most often caused by a hernia, which is treated with massages and physical therapy. They can also occur due to tumors, colliculitis and proptosis. Groin injuries can result from too much physical exertion during work or sports (weightlifting, bodybuilding, etc.).

Femoral artery anatomy. Major diseases and their symptoms

The femoral artery originates from the external iliac artery on the inner side of the thigh, where it comes to the surface, from where it got its name. Runs through the ilio-scallop sulcus, femoral sulcus, popliteal canal and popliteal fossa.

As it runs along the limb, it is distributed into the superficial epigastric, superficial femoral, external genital arteries, which form the femoral triangle, as well as the deep artery of the thigh.

The femoral artery is a fairly large vessel, the purpose of which is to provide blood to the lower extremities, inguinal nodes and external genital organs. Its anatomical structure is unchanged for all people, with the exception of minor differences.

Many may ask the question: where is the femoral artery? It can be felt tactilely in the upper groin, where it comes to the surface. In this place, the vessel is most vulnerable to mechanical damage.

Aneurysm

The femoral artery, like any other vessel, is susceptible to diseases and the development of pathologies. One of these pathologies is aneurysm. This pathology is one of the most common in diseases of this vessel. Aneurysm means the protrusion of the walls of the arterial pathway due to their thinning. Visually, an aneurysm can be defined as a pulsating swelling at the site of the vessel. It most often occurs in the groin or under the knee, forming on one of the branches of the vessel - the popliteal artery.

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Aneurysms can be diffuse or limited.

Causes of occurrence

The causes of this pathology are factors that lead to a thinning of the walls of the bloodstream. Such factors can be:

the effect of nicotine and tar when smoking;
high blood pressure (hypertension);
increased intake of cholesterol;
obesity;
hereditary factor;
infections;
surgical intervention;
injury.

The last two points refer to the so-called "false" aneurysm. In this case, the bulge of the vessel as such is absent, and the aneurysm consists of a pulsating hematoma surrounded by connective tissue.

Symptoms

The onset of pathology may not be felt at all by the patient, especially with small formations. But with the growth of the neoplasm, throbbing pain in the leg can be felt, which increases significantly with physical exertion. At the site of formation, a swelling pulsating in time is felt.

Symptoms of a femoral artery aneurysm are also convulsions of the affected limb, necrosis of the tissues of the leg and its numbness. Similar symptoms are associated with a lack of blood circulation in the leg, due to the resulting aneurysm.

Diagnostics

In the diagnosis of aneurysm, methods of instrumental research are mainly used, but in some cases laboratory diagnostics are also shown. Instrumental diagnostic methods include MRI, ultrasound, computed tomography, and angiography.

Laboratory diagnostic methods include: complete blood count, biochemical blood test, and urine analysis.

In addition to instrumental and laboratory studies, a vascular surgeon's examination is required.

Treatment

Surgery is the only effective treatment for an aneurysm. Depending on the complexity of the pathology, as well as possible complications during the operation, one of the following methods can be used: prosthetics or vessel bypass grafting. The stenting method can also be used, which is more gentle for the patient.

In the case of a particularly severe pathology, which led to significant tissue necrosis, amputation of the leg is inevitable.

Complications

The most frequent complications are the occurrence of blood clots in the vessel, as a result of which thrombosis of the femoral artery may develop. In addition, the formation of blood clots can lead to their entry into the vessels of the brain, as a result of which they become blocked, which can have extremely negative consequences.

Aneurysm ruptures are rare, more often, in addition to thrombosis, leg gangrene or embolism may occur.

With timely diagnostics, the development of pathology can be prevented, but if the condition is neglected, negative consequences are possible in the form of leg amputation or even death of the patient. Therefore, even with the slightest suspicion of pathology, the necessary diagnostics should be carried out.

Thrombosis

With a quick, instantaneous blockage of the vessel by a thrombus (thromboembolism), patients immediately feel changes, and such changes are of a more threatening nature - tissue necrosis, and as a result, leg amputation, or death.

Clinical symptoms

Femoral artery thrombosis is characterized by a gradual increase in pain in the leg, which is especially noticeable when walking or other physical exertion. A similar condition is associated with a gradual narrowing of the vessel, and hence a gradual decrease in the blood supply to the leg, its tissues, muscles. At the same time, to improve blood circulation, collateral vessels begin to open, as a rule, this occurs below the place where the thrombus formed.

On examination, pallor of the skin of the leg is noted, a decrease in its temperature regime (to the touch, colder than a healthy limb). The sensitivity of the affected limb decreases. Depending on the development of the pathology, the pulsation of the vessels can either be weakly audible or not audible at all.

As the pathology develops, the skin first becomes a purple hue, which eventually turns black. Similar signs indicate tissue necrosis and gangrene of the leg. In the event that the leg turns black, it is no longer possible to save it, and the only way to save the patient's life is to amputate the limb.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of thrombosis of the femoral artery is carried out using instrumental methods. For this, oscillography and rheography are used. But the most informative method of instrumental diagnostics, which allows you to accurately establish the location of the thrombus and the degree of vessel blockage, is arteriography.

Direction for instrumental examination is carried out when such signs as pale or crimson skin, lack of sensitivity and the patient's complaints of pain are detected on examination, even in a state of calm.

An examination of the vascular surgeon is also required.

Treatment

In the treatment of thrombosis of the femoral artery, drug therapy and surgery are used. With drug therapy, drugs with antispastic and thrombolytic effects are prescribed, as well as anticoagulants.

Surgical intervention involves the use of thromboectomy, embolectomy, and vascular plastics.

Anatomy and function of the superficial femoral artery

The superficial femoral artery is one of the branches of a large vessel of the lower extremities, extending from the external iliac artery.

Let us consider in more detail the anatomy of the femoral artery, which is conditionally divided into two parts:

General - passing from the inguinal ligament to the area of \u200b\u200bbifurcation (division). One of the large branches of the common femoral artery is the superficial epigastric artery, which gives off small vessels that feed the external genitalia and thigh structures. It passes through the lattice fascia into the subcutaneous tissue and goes to the anterior wall of the peritoneum, anastomosing with the internal thoracic artery.
Superficial - starting in the bifurcation zone of the common femoral artery.

The last branch, bending around the ilium, runs laterally towards the superior anterior iliac spine, parallel to the inguinal fold. In the adjacent muscle structures, skin, and lymph nodes, the superficial femoral artery connects with the ostium to the deep femoral artery, which is the largest branch.

It departs from the posterior semicircle of the femoral artery, just below the inguinal ligament (3-4 cm), dividing into medial, lateral and perforating arteries. Functions: is the main source of blood supply to the thigh.

The superficial femoral artery branches into a series of small vessels. A large descending artery of the knee also departs from it, which is mainly involved in the formation of the vascular arterial network of this element of the lower limb. This branch is separated in the adductor canal, going through the tendon cleft of the adductor muscle to the anterior part of the thigh together with the saphenous nerve.

The superficial femoral artery, deviating posteriorly in the lower third, enters the femoral-popliteal canal, which is the adductor muscles and ligaments of the thigh. Then the vessel leaves the canal and continues into the popliteal artery. The latter, located in the popliteal fossa, gives several small branches that connect to each other and form the knee arterial network. In the area where the anterior tibial artery departs, the popliteal ends, anastomosing to the posterior tibial.

Study of the vessels of the thigh

In order to study the characteristics of the femoral artery and all its branches, as well as assess their condition and identify possible pathological deviations, it is recommended to use a linear transducer with a frequency of 5 MHz. It is important that the superficial femoral artery can be traced quite well almost along its entire length, namely to the lower third of the thigh - the area of \u200b\u200bits entry into the femoral-popliteal canal. To conduct a study of this vessel, the patient must be in the supine position, legs straight and slightly abducted.

Lower limb arteries. Femoral artery.

Femoral artery, a. femoralis, is a continuation of the external iliac artery and begins under the inguinal ligament in the vascular lacuna. The femoral artery, coming out to the anterior surface of the thigh, goes down and medially, lying in the groove between the anterior and medial thigh muscle groups. In the upper third, the artery is located within the femoral triangle, on a deep leaf of the wide fascia, covered by its superficial leaf; the femoral vein passes medially from it. Having passed the femoral triangle, the femoral artery (together with the femoral vein) is covered by the sartorius muscle and enters the upper opening of the adduction canal at the border of the middle and lower third of the thigh. In this channel, the artery is located together with the saphenous nerve, n. saphenus, and the femoral vein, v. femoralis. Together with the latter, it deviates posteriorly and goes through the lower opening of the canal to the posterior surface of the lower limb into the popliteal fossa, where it is called the popliteal artery, a. poplitea.

The femoral artery gives off a series of branches that supply blood to the thigh and the anterior abdominal wall.

1. Superficial epigastric artery, a. epigastrica superficialis, starts from the anterior wall of the femoral artery below the inguinal ligament, pierces the superficial sheet of the wide fascia in the area of \u200b\u200bthe subcutaneous fissure and, rising upward and medially, passes to the anterior abdominal wall, where, lying subcutaneously, reaches the region of the umbilical ring. Here its branches anastomose with branches a. epigastrica superior (from a.thoracica interna). The branches of the superficial epigastric artery supply blood to the skin of the anterior abdominal wall and the external oblique muscle of the abdomen.

2. Superficial artery, enveloping the iliac bone, a. circumflexa iliaca superficialis, departs from the outer wall of the femoral artery or from the superficial epigastric artery and is directed along the inguinal ligament laterally up to the superior anterior iliac spine; supplies blood to the skin, muscles and inguinal lymph nodes.

3. External genital arteries, aa. pudendae externae, in the form of two, sometimes three thin trunks, are directed medially, bending around the anterior and posterior periphery of the femoral vein. One of these arteries goes up and reaches the suprapubic region, branching out into the skin. Other arteries, passing over the comb muscle, pierce the fascia of the thigh and approach the scrotum (labia) - these are the anterior scrotal (labial) branches, rr. scrotales (labiales) anteriores.

4. Inguinal branches, rr. inguinales, depart from the initial section of the femoral artery or from the external genital arteries (3-4) with small trunks and, piercing the wide fascia of the thigh in the area of \u200b\u200bthe ethmoid fascia, supply blood to the skin, as well as superficial and deep lymph nodes of the groin area.

5. Deep thigh artery, a. profunda femoris, is the most powerful branch of the femoral artery. It departs from its posterior wall 3 - 4 cm below the inguinal ligament, passes on the iliopsoas and comb muscles and is directed first outward and then down behind the femoral artery. Bending posteriorly, the artery penetrates between the vastus medialis muscle and the adductor muscles, ending in the lower third of the thigh between the large and long adductor muscles in the form of a perforating artery, a. perforans.

The deep thigh artery gives off a series of branches.

1) The medial artery, the envelope of the femur, a. circumflexa femoris medialis, departs from the deep artery of the thigh behind the femoral artery, goes transversely inward and, penetrating between the iliopsoas and comb muscles into the thickness of the muscles leading the thigh, bends around the medial side of the neck of the femur.

The following branches extend from the medial artery, which bends around the femur:

a) ascending branch, r. ascendens, is a small trunk going up and inward; branching, it approaches the comb muscle and the proximal part of the long adductor muscle;

b) transverse branch, r. transversus, - a thin stem, goes down and medially along the surface of the comb muscle and, penetrating between it and the long adductor muscle, goes between the long and short adductor muscles; blood supply to the long and short adductor muscles, the thin and external obturator muscles;

c) deep branch, r. profundus, is a larger trunk that is a continuation of a. circumflexa femoris medialis. It is directed posteriorly, passes between the external obturator muscle and the square of the thigh muscle, dividing here into ascending and descending branches;

d) a branch of the acetabulum, r. acetabularis, - a thin artery, anastomoses with the branches of other arteries that supply blood to the hip joint.

2) The lateral artery that bends around the femur, a, circumflexa femoris lateralis, is a large trunk, departs from the outer wall of the deep artery of the thigh almost at its very beginning. Goes outward in front of the iliopsoas muscle, behind the sartorius muscle and rectus femoris; approaching the greater trochanter of the femur, it is divided into branches:

a) ascending branch, r. ascendens, goes up and outward, lying under the muscle that pulls the broad fascia and the gluteus medius muscle;

b) descending branch, r. descendens, more powerful than the previous one. It departs from the outer surface of the main trunk and lies under the rectus femoris muscle, then descends along the furrow between the intermediate and lateral broad muscles of the thigh. Provides blood to these muscles; reaching the knee area, anastomoses with the branches of the popliteal artery. On its way, it supplies blood to the heads of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh and gives off branches to the skin of the thigh;

c) transverse branch, r. transversus, is a small trunk going laterally; supplies the proximal rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis.

3) Perforating arteries, aa. perforantes, usually three, depart from the deep artery of the thigh at a different level and pass to the posterior surface of the thigh at the very line of attachment to the femur of the adductor muscles.

The first perforating artery begins at the level of the lower edge of the comb muscle; the second one departs at the lower edge of the adductor muscle and the third - below the long adductor muscle. All three branches pierce the adductor muscles at the site of their attachment to the femur and, coming out to the posterior surface, inoculate the adductor, semimembranosus, semitendinosus muscles, the biceps femoris and the skin of this area.

The second and third perforating arteries give off small branches to the femur - the arteries feeding the thigh, aa. nutriciae femaris.

4) The descending knee artery, a. descendens genicularis, is a rather long vessel, starting more often from the femoral artery in the adductor canal, less often from the lateral artery that bends around the femur. Heading down, it perforates along with the saphenous nerve, n. saphenus, from the depth to the surface of the tendon plate, goes behind the sartorius muscle, bends around the inner condyle of the thigh and ends in the muscles of this area and the articular capsule of the knee joint.

The specified artery gives off the following branches:

a) subcutaneous branch, r. saphenus, into the thickness of the broad medial muscle of the thigh;

b) articular branches, rr. articulares, involved in the formation of the knee articular network, rete articulare genus, and the patella network, rete patellae.

Femoral artery: structure, function, anatomy

Anatomy is the science that studies the structure of a person. In this article, we will consider the femoral artery, its location and main branches.

Location

The femoral artery departs and continues the external iliac artery, originating in the vascular lacuna under the inguinal ligament. On the outer surface of the thigh, it moves down and is medially located in the groove between the muscle groups (anterior and medial). Its upper third is in the femoral triangle, located on a leaf of the broad fascia, from above it is covered by its superficial leaf; on the medial side, the femoral vein is adjacent to it.

Coming outside the femoral triangle, the femoral artery and vein, which are covered by the sartorius muscle, approximately on the border of the lower and middle third of the thigh, enter the adductor canal, its upper opening. Here, in the canal, is the saphenous nerve and, as already mentioned, the femoral vein. The artery and vein deviate posteriorly, pass through the lower canal opening, following to the lower limb (its posterior surface), descending into the popliteal fossa, where they pass into the popliteal artery.

Where is the femoral artery in humans? This question is often asked. Let's consider it in more detail in this article.

Main branches of the femoral artery

Several branches, which provide blood supply to the thigh and the abdominal wall in front, depart from the femoral artery. What are these branches?

The epigastric superficial artery branches off from the femoral artery, or rather, its anterior wall, in the region of the inguinal ligament, deepens into the superficial leaf of the wide fascia, then rises up and medially, passing to the anterior abdominal wall. Passing subcutaneously, it reaches the umbilical ring, where it anastomizes (merges) with several more branches. The main function of the branches of the superficial epigastric artery is to supply blood to the skin of the abdominal wall in front and to the external oblique muscles of the abdomen.

The superficial femoral artery, bending around the ilium, moving away from the superficial epigastric artery, rushes laterally and upwards parallel to the inguinal fold reaches the superior iliac bone of the anterior; provides blood supply to the skin, muscles and inguinal lymph nodes.

The external genital arteries, most often their two or three trunks, have a medial direction, bend around the periphery of the femoral vein (posterior and anterior). Then one of the arteries, heading up, reaches the area above the pubis and forks in the skin. The other two pass over the comb muscle, piercing the fascia of the thigh, rush to the labia (scrotum). These are the so-called anterior labial (scrotal) branches.

The femoral artery consists of them. Its anatomy is unique.

Inguinal branches

The inguinal branches with small trunks extend from the external genital arteries (the initial section of the femoral artery), then pass in the area of \u200b\u200bthe ethmoid fascia, the fascia of the thigh is wide, supply blood to the deep and superficial lymph nodes of the inguinal nodes, as well as the skin.

Deep artery of the thigh

The deep femoral artery, starting from its posterior wall, approximately 3-4 cm lower than the inguinal ligament, passes along the comb and iliopsoas muscles, goes outward at the beginning, and then downward, located behind the femoral artery. This is its largest branch. After the artery follows between the adductor muscles and the vastus medial femoris muscle, and its end is approximately the lower third of the thigh between the long and large adductor muscles with the transition to the perforating artery.

These are the numerous branches of the femoral artery.

Bending around the femur, the medial artery, moving away from the deep and behind the femoral artery, goes inward, penetrating transversely into the thickness of the comb and iliopsoas adductor thigh muscles, then bends around the neck of the femur from the medial side.

Branches extending from the medial artery

The following branches extend from the medial artery:

an ascending branch is a small stem with an upward and inward direction; branching when approaching the comb and long adductor (proximal) muscles;
the transverse branch runs medially and down the surface of the comb muscle, passing between the long adductor and comb muscle, then between the long and short adductor muscles; provides blood supply to the long and short adductor muscles, the thin and external obturator muscles.
deep branch - a relatively large trunk, is a continuation of the medial artery. Has a posterior direction, passing between the square and the external obturator muscle, then is divided into descending and ascending branches;
a branch of the acetabulum, a small artery that anastomoses with the branches of other arteries, provides blood supply to the hip joint. It is here that the pulsation of the femoral artery is felt.

Lateral artery

The lateral artery of the femur is a very large vessel that branches out almost at the very beginning of the deep artery of the femur, from its outer wall. Outward, extends in front of the iliopsoas muscle, but behind the rectus and sartorius muscles of the thigh, and separates when the greater trochanter of the femur is reached.

a) the ascending branch passes under the muscle that pulls the fascia lata and gluteus medius; has an upward and outward direction.

b) the descending branch is more powerful than the previous branch. It departs from the outer surface of the main trunk, passes under the rectus femoris muscle, descends along the groove located between the lateral and intermediate broad muscles of the thigh. It supplies these muscles with blood. Anastomoses in the knee region with the branches of the popliteal artery. Along the way, it supplies blood to the head of the quadriceps femoris muscle, and also branches off to the skin.

c) transverse branch - a small trunk that supplies blood to the rectus muscle (its proximal part) and the lateral vastus muscle, lateral direction.

Perforating arteries

Three perforating arteries depart at different levels from the deep artery of the thigh, then move to the back of the thigh, in the area of \u200b\u200battachment of the adductor muscles to the femur. The beginning of the first perforating artery is at the level of the lower edge of the comb muscle; the second begins at the short adductor muscle (lower edge), and the third below the adductor muscle long. Having passed through the adductor muscles, at the places where they are attached to the femur, all three branches find an exit at the posterior surface. Produce blood supply to the following muscles: adductors, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, and skin in this area.

From the second and third branches, in turn, there are small branches that feed the femur of the perforating artery.

Descending knee artery

The descending knee artery is a very long vessel extending from the femoral artery inside the adductor canal (sometimes it starts from the lateral artery that bends around the femur). It descends together with the saphenous nerve, under the tendon plate, passes behind the sartorius muscle, then bypasses the inner thigh condyle and ends in the thickness of the muscles of this area and the capsule of the knee joint.

The following branches are given off by the above artery:

the subcutaneous branch, which supplies the medial part of the vastus muscle;
articular branches that form the knee articular network of vessels, and the network of the patella.

We examined the femoral artery, its anatomical structure.

Femoral artery

, a.femoralis , is a continuation of the external iliac artery and begins under the inguinal ligament in the lacuna vasorum.

The femoral artery, coming out to the front surface of the thigh, goes down, closer to its medial edge, in the groove between the extensor and adductor muscles. In the upper third, the artery is located within the femoral triangle on a deep leaf fascia lata, covered by its superficial leaf, having a femoral vein medially from itself. Having passed the femoral triangle, the femoral artery (together with the femoral vein) is covered by the sartorius muscle and, at the border of the middle and lower third of the thigh, enters the upper opening of the adductor canal (canalis adductorius).

In the specified channel, the artery is located together with the saphenous nerve, n. saphenus, and the femoral vein, v. femoralis. Together with the latter, it deviates posteriorly and goes through the lower opening of the canal to the posterior surface of the lower limb into the popliteal fossa, where it is called the popliteal artery, a. poplitea.

In its course, it gives off a number of branches that supply blood to the thigh and the anterior abdominal wall.

I. Superficial epigastric artery, a. epigastrica super-ficialis, starts from the anterior wall of the femoral artery below the inguinal ligament, pierces the superficial layer of fascia lata in the hiatus saphenus region, and, rising upward and medially, passes to the anterior abdominal wall, where, lying subcutaneously, reaches the navel. Here its branches anastomose with the subcutaneous branches of a. epigastrica superior (from a.thoracica interna). The branches of the superficial epigastric artery supply blood to the skin of the anterior abdominal wall and the external oblique muscle of the abdomen.

II. Superficial artery, enveloping the iliac bone, a. circumlexa ilium super ficialis. departs from the outer wall of the femoral artery or from the superficial epigastric artery and is directed along the inguinal ligament laterally upward to the spina iliaca anterior superior, supplying blood to the skin, muscles and inguinal lymph nodes.

III. The external genital arteries, aa .. pudendae externae, in the form of two, sometimes three thin trunks, are directed medially, bending around the anterior and posterior periphery of the femoral vein. One of these arteries goes up and reaches the suprapubic region, branching into the skin; others, passing over the scallop muscle, pierce the fascia of the thigh and approach the scrotum (labia), getting the name: anterior scrotal branches, rr. scrotales

anteriores (front labial branches, rr.labiales anteriores).

IV. Inguinal branches, rr. inguinales, depart from the initial section of the femoral artery with 3-4 small trunks and, piercing the wide fascia of the thigh in the fascia cribrosa, supply blood to the skin, as well as superficial and deep lymph nodes of the groin area.

V. Deep artery of the thigh, a. profunda femoris, is the most powerful branch of the femoral artery. It departs from its back wall 3-4 cm below the inguinal ligament, lies on m. iliopsoas and m .. pectineus and is directed first outward and then down behind the femoral artery. Deviation posteriorly, the artery penetrates between m. vastus medialis and adductor muscles, ending in the lower third of the thigh between m. adductor ma gnus and m. adductor longus in the form of a third perforating artery, a. perforans tertia.

The following branches extend from the deep artery of the thigh.

Medial artery, bending around the femur, a. cir-cumflexa femoris medialis, departs from the deep femoral artery behind the femoral artery, goes transversely inward and, penetrating between m. iliopsoas and m. pectineus into the thickness of the muscles leading the thigh, bends around the medial side of the femoral neck.
The medial artery, which bends around the femur, gives off the following branches:

a) The transverse branch, g. transversus, is a thinner stem, directed downward and medially along the surface of m. pectineus and, penetrating between it and m. adductor longus, lies between the long and short adductor muscles, supplying blood to m. adductor longus, m. adductor brevis, m. gracilis, m. obturatorius externus.

b) Deep branch, Mr. profundus, - a larger trunk, which is a continuation of a. circumflexa femoris medialis, directed posteriorly, lies between m. obturatorius externus and m. quadratus femoris, dividing here in turn into ascending and descending branches.

c) Branch of the acetabular cavity, r. acetabularis.

d) Ascending branch, Mr. ascendens.

Lateral artery, bending around the femur, a. circumflexa femoris lateralis, - a large trunk extending from the outer wall of the deep artery of the thigh almost at its very beginning. She goes outward in front of you. iliopsoas, behind m. sar-torius and m .. rectus femoris and, approaching the greater trochanter of the femur, divides into branches.

a) The ascending branch, g. ascendens, goes up and outward, lying under the muscle that pulls the broad fascia, and m. glu-teus medius.

b) The descending branch, r. descendens, more powerful than the previous one, departs from the outer surface of the main trunk, goes under m. rectus femoris and, going down the furrow between m. vastus intermedius and m. vastus lateralis, reaches the knee area called the lateral muscular-articular branch. On its way, Mr. descendens supplies the heads of m. quadriceps and gives branches to the skin of the thigh.

c) Transverse branch, Mr. Iransversus.

Perforating arteries

, usually number 3, depart from the deep artery of the thigh at a different level and pass to the back of the thigh at the very line of attachment to the thigh bone of the adductor muscles.

The first perforating artery begins at the level of the lower edge of m. pectineus; the second departs at the lower edge of m. adductor brevis and the third is below m. adductor longus. All three branches pierce the adductor muscles at the site of their attachment to the femur and, coming out to the posterior surface, supply blood to mm. adductores, m. semimembranosus, m. semitendinosus, m. biceps femoris and the skin of this area.

The second and third perforating arteries give off small branches that feed the femur.

Vi. Muscular branches extend along the entire length of the femoral artery, 7-8 in number and are directed to the nearby areas of the muscles of the anterior thigh group - extensor, adductor and tailor.

Vii. The descending knee artery, a. genus descendens, - a rather long vessel, starts from the femoral artery in the canalis adductorius, goes down, pierces along with n. saphenus from depth to the surface of the tendon plate, goes behind m. sartorius, bends around the inner condyle of the thigh and ends in the muscles of this area and the articular capsule of the knee joint. This artery gives off the following branches.

Muscle branches - to the surrounding muscles.
Subcutaneous branch, Mr. saphenus, in the thickness of the medial wide thigh muscles .

Articular branches, rr. arliculares involved in the formation of the articular network of the knee, rete articulare genus, and the network

patella

The femoral artery is the largest vessel that supplies blood to:

muscles and skin of the anterior abdominal wall;
nodes of the groin and tissue of the Scarpa triangle;
thigh muscles;
hip bones;
reproductive system;
calf and ankle muscles.

Capillaries are intermediaries. Delivering oxygen and nutrients to all areas of the body. The diameter of the artery is about 8 mm. The femur continues the iliac, from the level of the inguinal ligament, where it branches.

The combination of the epigastric, superficial femoral and external genital arteries form the Scarpa triangle. On the inside, this area is surrounded by muscles and inguinal ligaments, on the outside there is thin skin, where pulsation is clearly felt. Here the artery is clamped with femoral bleeding.

The location of the artery is a tendon canal in the thigh with an outlet in the popliteal fossa, where a clear pulsation is also felt. According to its structure and location, the femoral artery and the accompanying vascular system in each person may have minor differences that do not affect the general functions of the blood supply.

Femoral artery atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic lesion of an artery resulting from the appearance of cholesterol deposits that pollute the inner walls of blood vessels. Consequence: the lumen in the vessels gradually narrows and oxygen starvation of the organs occurs, peripheral circulation is impaired. Untimely treatment can lead to a complete blockage of blood vessels or rupture of an artery. Also, malnutrition can lead to necrosis (gangrene).

A fatal outcome is observed with late treatment in 30% within 5 years from the moment of the onset of the pathology.

Causes of pathology

As a rule, atherosclerosis of the femoral artery occurs more often in males, the elderly (after 65 years). People with relatives who have hyperlipidemia (high blood fat) are also at risk of the disease.

with high blood pressure;
diabetes mellitus;
hyperlipidemia;
the presence of bad habits (smoking, excessive alcohol consumption);
injuries;
depression.

A sedentary lifestyle and overweight is a direct path to atherosclerosis of the femoral artery and not only ...

Symptoms

Vivid symptoms of atherosclerosis are observed only in 10 out of a hundred patients. In some cases, there are no signs of pathology.

pain in the legs when walking or increased physical activity (with possible lameness). Syndromes disappear during a break in activity or rest;
numbness, weakness, tingling in the legs when walking;
aching pain and burning in the legs during the rest period after physical exertion;
ulcers, calluses, which are accompanied by pain in the legs and feet;
cold feet;
change in skin color (with critical ischemia);
hair loss in the shin area;
loss of muscle strength and energy.

Diagnostics

Initially, the specialist makes an external examination, in which the following are observed:

thickening and shine of the skin;
alopecia in the affected areas;
brittle nails;
discoloration of the skin;
thinning of the muscles of the diseased limb.

With the help of palpation, the temperature of the skin, pulsation is determined, and sensitivity and motor activity are also determined.

With the help of modern equipment, the diagnosis is clarified and the most effective treatment is selected. Experts resort to:

doppler or duplex scanning. The method is highly accurate and based on the use of ultrasound capabilities;
CT angiography, which is a type of X-ray examination, during which the patient is irradiated;
MR angiography using magnetic resonance imaging. In this case, the image of a blood vessel is studied;
standard angiography - a routine fluoroscopic examination of an artery using radiopaque contrast media.

Diagnostics carried out by professional methods will become the key to successful treatment of atherosclerosis

Puncture of the femoral artery is performed to obtain a blood sample, direct blood pressure measurement, and injecting a contrast agent with certain research methods.

Treatment

Treatment of atherosclerosis combines drug therapy, exercise, healthy eating, and elimination of contributing factors. The use of folk remedies can also be included in therapy, but as an additional method.

Physical activity is provided by special trainings 3 times in 7 days for an hour. Training walking has a good effect.

Vascular complications are reduced with the help of disaggregation therapy (drugs Aspirin and Clopidogrel).

The permeability of blood through the femoral artery increases with the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors (Pletala and others).

The operation is prescribed for advanced disease, its progression, or ineffective conservative treatment.

The type of surgical treatment is prescribed by the doctor depending on the clinical picture of the pathology. Experts use the following methods:

Balloon angioplasty. The method consists in the introduction of a catheter with a miniature balloon through a puncture in the skin. Then the balloon is inflated and the atherosclerotic plaque is "crushed". To achieve the best effect, balloon angioplasty and stenting are used together.
Prosthetics. A section of a vein or prosthesis replaces a blocked vessel.
Bypass surgery. During surgery, an additional blood path is created that bypasses the affected area.
Endarterectomy. It is an open surgical operation during which not only cholesterol plaque is removed, but also the affected membrane of the artery wall.
Stenting. A stent (metal mesh tube) is inserted into the narrowed artery to prevent the vessel from narrowing.

Thrombosis

Femoral artery thrombosis is formed by blood clots that cause stenosis and blockage of the vessel. This disease differs from atherosclerosis, in which cholesterol formations are observed. Often, atherosclerosis is the cause of thrombosis.

The following factors lead to thrombosis:

vascular damage (undergone chemotherapy, improperly installed venous catheter or unprofessional injection into a vein, injury, etc.);
reduced speed of blood flow through the vessels (pregnancy, overweight, varicose veins, etc.);
increased blood clotting (childbirth, pregnancy, dehydration, surgery, diabetes mellitus);
high cholesterol in the body.

Thrombosis after sixty is a common thing

Symptoms

With thrombosis, the patient complains:

on pulling or bursting pain in the calf muscles and feet. The development of the disease contributes to the intensification and frequency of pain attacks. The patient's inability to walk for a long time appears, he constantly needs rest;
swelling and numbness in the legs;
increase in body temperature;
pallor of the skin of the affected area.

The diagnosis of thrombosis is identical to the diagnosis of atherosclerosis.

Treatment

If the thrombus is in a stable state, the risk of separation is minimal, or there are contraindications for surgery, experts resort to drug treatment:

antithrombotic therapy, the purpose of which is to destroy and prevent the growth of a blood clot;
anticoagulation therapy, with the help of which the blood is thinned and its composition normalized;
restoration of effective blood circulation.

To improve the outflow of blood, the patient's limbs are bandaged with an elastic bandage.

Aneurysm

Femoral artery aneurysm is the most common pathology. It is expressed in a saccular protrusion of the artery wall, observed in a small area or, conversely, affecting a large area. This anomaly is formed as a result of loss of elasticity and thinning of the vessel wall as a result of:

the presence of atherosclerotic plaques;
hypertension;
infectious diseases (vasculitis);
previous operations.

Sports injuries are common causes of aneurysms

Experts consider the presence of infections in the body, overweight, heredity to risk factors.

Symptoms of aneurysms are similar to those of thrombosis. The difference lies in the presence of an elastic pulsating seal on the affected area.

Aneurysm cannot be treated with drugs and traditional medicine. At the initial stages, specialists monitor the development of the disease; in severe cases, they resort to bypass surgery, vessel prosthetics or stenting.

False aneurysm

In case of tissue injuries that lead to damage to the vessel, a false aneurysm is observed. The accumulation of blood in the damage to the vessel walls creates a pulsating hematoma.

The vascular wall is damaged:

in case of poorly performed medical injection in the course of medical or diagnostic measures;
purulent inflammatory processes in tissues in the immediate vicinity of the vessel, leading to disruption of the vessel walls, bleeding and hematoma formation;
injuries.

A false aneurysm leads to the following symptoms:

growing swelling in the affected area;
painful sensations of a different nature;
discoloration of the skin;
ripple.

If the false aneurysm is small, it usually goes away on its own.

In other cases, specialists resort to endovascular, compression methods or surgery.

Embolism

Embolism of the femoral artery is the presence of emboli (pieces of blood clot, fatty accumulations and other foreign bodies) in the arterial bed, which move through the vessel and cause occlusion.

Emboli in the artery of the lower extremities

The overall picture is expressed in a pronounced character:

acute pain;
blanching of the skin with the subsequent appearance of cyanosis;
marbling of the skin;
a decrease in the temperature of the affected limbs;
disorder of sensitivity.

When diagnosing pathology, the absence of pulsation at the site of the lesion is revealed. The angiography method is the most informative in this case.

The best effect is surgical treatment, then heparin therapy and getting rid of the diseases that caused the pathology.

Each of the above pathologies can lead to irreversible consequences. To avoid this, you must follow simple rules: lead an active lifestyle, eat right, undergo regular medical examinations and avoid injury.

Femoral artery anatomy

The femoral artery (BA) in anatomy is a blood vessel originating from the external iliac trunk. The connection of these two channels takes place in the human pelvis. The barrel is 8 mm in diameter. What are the branches of the common femoral artery and where are they located?

Location

The artery of the thigh starts from the iliac trunk. On the outside of the leg, the canal extends down into a groove between the muscle tissues.

Main branches

The remaining branches move over the comb muscle, pass through the fascia and go to the genitals.

Inguinal branches

They originate from the external genital arteries, after which they reach the wide femoral fascia. PVs provide blood supply to the skin, tissues, lymph nodes located in the groin.

Deep artery of the thigh

The vessel that bends around the femur leaves the deep trunk, heading into the depths of the limb. After that, it passes around the neck of the femur bone.

Branches of the medial canal

The medial artery has branches around the femur. These include branches:

Ascending. It is presented in the form of a small trunk that runs at the top and inside. Then several more branches depart from the vessel, heading towards the tissues.
Transverse. Thin, goes to the lower zone along the surface of the comb muscle to pass between it and the adductor muscle tissue. The vessel supplies blood to the nearby muscles.
Deep. It is the largest in size. It moves to the back of the thigh, passes between the muscles and branches into two components.
Acetabular vessel. It is a thin branch that enters the other arteries of the lower extremities. Together, they supply blood to the hip joint.

Lateral trunk

The lateral artery bends around the thigh bone, leaves the surface of the deep canal outward.

After that, it is removed to the outer region of the anterior iliopsoas, posterior sartorius and rectus muscles. It approaches the greater trochanter of the thigh bone and breaks down into:

Ascending branch. It moves to the top, goes under the tissue surrounding the fascia of the thigh and the gluteus muscle.
Descending branch. It is powerful enough. It starts from the outer wall of the main trunk, runs under the rectus femur muscle, goes down between the tissues of the legs, nourishing them. Then it comes to the knee zone, connects to the branches of the artery located under the knee. Passing through the muscles, it supplies blood to the quadriceps femoral muscle, after which it is divided into several branches moving to the skin of the limb.

Cross branch. It is presented in the form of a small trunk. The vessel produces blood supply to the proximal rectus and lateral muscle tissue.

Piercing channels

There are only 3 such trunks. They start from the deep femoral artery in its different parts. Vessels move to the back of the thigh at the point where the muscles connect to the bone.

Then the perforating arteries go towards the posterior femoral surface. Provides blood to the muscles and skin in this part of the limb. Several more branches depart from them.

Descending artery of the knee

This vessel is very long. It starts from the femoral artery in the adductor canal. But it can also depart from the lateral vessel, which bends around the thigh bone. This is much less common.

The descending trunk of the knee has the following branches:

Subcutaneous. It is located deep in the medial wide tissue of the limb.
Articular. This femoral branch is involved in the formation of a network of joints of the knee and patella.

Vascular disorders

Atherosclerosis. This ailment is characterized by the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels. The presence of this pathology increases the risk of thromboembolism. A large accumulation of deposits causes weakening and damage to its walls, impairs permeability.
Thrombosis. The disease is the formation of blood clots that can lead to dangerous consequences. If a blood clot closes the vessel, the leg tissue will begin to die off. This leads to limb amputation or death.
Aneurysm. The disease is no less life-threatening for patients. With it, a protrusion occurs on the surface of the artery, the vessel wall becomes thinner and more vulnerable to damage. A ruptured aneurysm can be fatal due to rapid and massive blood loss.

If one of the pathologies is identified, the treatment regimen should be prescribed exclusively by the doctor. In no case can you ignore these violations.

Thus, the femoral artery has a complex structure, a large number of branches. Each vessel performs its role, supplying blood to the skin and other areas of the lower limb.

Femoral artery: structure, function, anatomy

Anatomy is the science that studies the structure of a person. In this article, we will consider the femoral artery, its location and main branches.

Location

Where is the femoral artery in humans? This question is often asked. Let's consider it in more detail in this article.

Main branches of the femoral artery

Several branches, which provide blood supply to the thigh and the abdominal wall in front, depart from the femoral artery. What are these branches?

The femoral artery consists of them. Its anatomy is unique.

Inguinal branches

Deep artery of the thigh

These are the numerous branches of the femoral artery.

Branches extending from the medial artery

The following branches extend from the medial artery:

an ascending branch is a small stem with an upward and inward direction; branching when approaching the comb and long adductor (proximal) muscles;
the transverse branch runs medially and down the surface of the comb muscle, passing between the long adductor and comb muscle, then between the long and short adductor muscles; provides blood supply to the long and short adductor muscles, the thin and external obturator muscles.
deep branch - a relatively large trunk, is a continuation of the medial artery. Has a posterior direction, passing between the square and the external obturator muscle, then is divided into descending and ascending branches;
a branch of the acetabulum, a small artery that anastomoses with the branches of other arteries, provides blood supply to the hip joint. It is here that the pulsation of the femoral artery is felt.

Lateral artery

a) the ascending branch passes under the muscle that pulls the fascia lata and gluteus medius; has an upward and outward direction.

c) transverse branch - a small trunk that supplies blood to the rectus muscle (its proximal part) and the lateral vastus muscle, lateral direction.

Perforating arteries

From the second and third branches, in turn, there are small branches that feed the femur of the perforating artery.

Descending knee artery

The following branches are given off by the above artery:

the subcutaneous branch, which supplies the medial part of the vastus muscle;
articular branches that form the knee articular network of vessels, and the network of the patella.

We examined the femoral artery, its anatomical structure.

Anatomy and function of the superficial femoral artery

The superficial femoral artery is one of the branches of a large vessel of the lower extremities, extending from the external iliac artery.

Let us consider in more detail the anatomy of the femoral artery, which is conditionally divided into two parts:

General - passing from the inguinal ligament to the area of \u200b\u200bbifurcation (division). One of the large branches of the common femoral artery is the superficial epigastric artery, which gives off small vessels that feed the external genitalia and thigh structures. It passes through the lattice fascia into the subcutaneous tissue and goes to the anterior wall of the peritoneum, anastomosing with the internal thoracic artery.
Superficial - starting in the bifurcation zone of the common femoral artery.

Study of the vessels of the thigh

Lower limb arteries. Femoral artery.

The deep thigh artery gives off a series of branches.

a) ascending branch, r. ascendens, is a small trunk going up and inward; branching, it approaches the comb muscle and the proximal part of the long adductor muscle;

d) a branch of the acetabulum, r. acetabularis, - a thin artery, anastomoses with the branches of other arteries that supply blood to the hip joint.

a) ascending branch, r. ascendens, goes up and outward, lying under the muscle that pulls the broad fascia and the gluteus medius muscle;

c) transverse branch, r. transversus, is a small trunk going laterally; supplies the proximal rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis.

The second and third perforating arteries give off small branches to the femur - the arteries feeding the thigh, aa. nutriciae femaris.

a) subcutaneous branch, r. saphenus, into the thickness of the broad medial muscle of the thigh;

b) articular branches, rr. articulares, involved in the formation of the knee articular network, rete articulare genus, and the patella network, rete patellae.

Femoral artery

Femoral artery, a. femoralis (Fig. 785, 786, 787, 788, 789; see Fig. 693, 794), is a continuation of the external iliac artery and begins under the inguinal ligament in the vascular lacuna. The femoral artery, coming out to the anterior surface of the thigh, goes down and medially, lying in the groove between the anterior and medial thigh muscle groups. In the upper third, the artery is located within the femoral triangle, on a deep leaf of the wide fascia, covered by its superficial leaf; the femoral vein passes medially from it. Having passed the femoral triangle, the femoral artery (together with the femoral vein) is covered by the sartorius muscle and enters the upper opening of the adduction canal at the border of the middle and lower third of the thigh. In this channel, the artery is located together with the saphenous nerve, n. saphenus, and the femoral vein, v. femoralis. Together with the latter, it deviates posteriorly and goes through the lower opening of the canal to the posterior surface of the lower limb into the popliteal fossa, where it is called the popliteal artery, a. poplitea.

The femoral artery gives off a series of branches that supply blood to the thigh and the anterior abdominal wall.

Superficial epigastric artery, a. epigastrica superficialis (see Fig. 787, 794), starts from the anterior wall of the femoral artery below the inguinal ligament, pierces the superficial layer of the wide fascia in the area of \u200b\u200bthe subcutaneous fissure and, rising up and medially, passes to the anterior abdominal wall, where, lying subcutaneously, reaches area of \u200b\u200bthe umbilical ring. Here its branches anastomose with branches a. epigastrica superior (from a.thoracica interna). The branches of the superficial epigastric artery supply blood to the skin of the anterior abdominal wall and the external oblique muscle of the abdomen.
The superficial artery, enveloping the iliac bone, a. circumflexa iliaca superficialis, departs from the outer wall of the femoral artery or from the superficial epigastric artery and is directed along the inguinal ligament laterally up to the superior anterior iliac spine; supplies blood to the skin, muscles and inguinal lymph nodes.
External genital arteries, aa. pudendae externae (see Fig. 787, 794), in the form of two, sometimes three thin trunks are directed medially, bending around the anterior and posterior periphery of the femoral vein. One of these arteries goes up and reaches the suprapubic region, branching out into the skin. Other arteries, passing over the comb muscle, pierce the fascia of the thigh and approach the scrotum (labia) - these are the anterior scrotal (labial) branches, rr. scrotales (labiales) anteriores.
Inguinal branches, rr. inguinales, depart from the initial part of the femoral artery or from the external genital arteries (3-4) with small trunks and, piercing the fascia lata of the thigh in the ethmoid fascia region, supply blood to the skin, as well as superficial and deep lymph nodes of the groin region.
Deep thigh artery, a. profunda femoris (see Fig. 785, 786, 787, 789, 794), is the most powerful branch of the femoral artery. It departs from its posterior wall 3-4 cm below the inguinal ligament, passes on the iliopsoas and comb muscles and is directed first outward and then down behind the femoral artery. Bending posteriorly, the artery penetrates between the vastus medialis muscle and the adductor muscles, ending in the lower third of the thigh between the large and long adductor muscles in the form of a perforating artery, a. perforans.

Fig. 693. The circulatory system (diagram).

The deep artery of the thigh gives off a number of branches

1) The medial artery, the envelope of the femur, a. circumflexa femoris medialis (see Fig. 785, 794), departs from the deep artery of the thigh behind the femoral artery, goes transversely inward and, penetrating between the iliopsoas and comb muscles into the thickness of the muscles leading the thigh, bends around the neck of the femur from the medial side.

The following branches extend from the medial artery, which bends around the femur:

ascending branch, r. ascendens, is a small trunk going up and inward; branching, it approaches the comb muscle and the proximal part of the long adductor muscle;
transverse branch, r. transversus, - a thin stem, goes down and medially along the surface of the comb muscle and, penetrating between it and the long adductor muscle, goes between the long and short adductor muscles; blood supply to the long and short adductor muscles, the thin and external obturator muscles;
deep branch, r. profundus, is a larger trunk that is a continuation of a. circumflexa femoris medialis. It is directed posteriorly, passes between the external obturator muscle and the square muscle of the thigh, dividing here into ascending and descending branches;
branch of the acetabulum, r. acetabularis, - a thin artery, anastomoses with the branches of other arteries that supply blood to the hip joint.

Fig. 797. Anterior tibial artery, a.tibialis anterior, and deep peroneal nerve, n.fibularis profundus, right. (The front surface of the lower leg.)

2) Lateral artery, bending around the femur, a. circumflexa femoris lateralis (see Fig. 797, 794), - a large trunk, departs from the outer wall of the deep artery of the thigh almost at its very beginning. Goes outward in front of the iliopsoas muscle, behind the sartorius muscle and rectus femoris; approaching the greater trochanter of the femur, it is divided into branches:

ascending branch, r. ascendens, goes up and outward, lying under the muscle that pulls the broad fascia and the gluteus medius muscle;
descending branch, r. descendens, more powerful than the previous one. It departs from the outer surface of the main trunk and lies under the rectus femoris muscle, then descends along the furrow between the intermediate and lateral broad muscles of the thigh. Provides blood to these muscles; reaching the knee area, anastomoses with the branches of the popliteal artery. On its way, it supplies blood to the heads of the quadriceps muscle of the thigh and gives off branches to the skin of the thigh;
transverse branch, r. transversus, is a small trunk going laterally; supplies the proximal rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis.

Fig. 791. Artery of the thigh, right. (Back surface). (The gluteus maximus and medius and biceps are cut and retracted; the sciatic nerve is partially removed.)

3) Perforating arteries, aa. perforantes (see Fig. 789, 791), usually three, depart from the deep artery of the thigh at a different level and pass to the back of the thigh at the very line of attachment to the femur of the adductor muscles.

The first perforating artery begins at the level of the lower edge of the comb muscle; the second one departs at the lower edge of the adductor muscle and the third - below the long adductor muscle. All three branches pierce the adductor muscles at the site of their attachment to the femur and, coming out to the posterior surface, supply blood to the adductor, semimembranosus, semitendinosus muscles, the biceps femoris and the skin of this area.

The second and third perforating arteries give off small branches to the femur - the arteries feeding the thigh, aa. nutriciae femoris.

4) The descending knee artery, a. descendens genicularis (see Fig. 789, 798), is a rather long vessel, starts more often from the femoral artery in the adductor canal, less often from the lateral artery that envelopes the femur. Heading down, it perforates along with the saphenous nerve, n. saphenus, from the depth to the surface of the tendon plate, goes behind the sartorius muscle, bends around the inner condyle of the thigh and ends in the muscles of this area and the articular capsule of the knee joint.

The specified artery gives off the following branches:

subcutaneous branch, r. saphenus, into the thickness of the broad medial muscle of the thigh;
articular branches, rr. articulares, participating in the formation of the knee articular network, rete articulare genus, and the patella network, rete patellae (Fig. 790).

Femoral artery thrombosis symptoms

The femoral artery is a large vessel, the main function of which is to supply blood to all parts of the lower extremities, from the thigh to the toes. Nutrients and blood flow to the lower leg zone through capillaries and small vessels branching from the femoral artery. All kinds of diseases of the aorta can lead to a disorder of the basic work of the lower limbs, abdominal and pelvic parts.

Where is she

Such an artery is located from the beginning of the superficial iliac aorta from the inner wall of the thigh, from where it goes to the surface. Therefore, it is called "femoral". Runs through the iliac-comb and femoral fossa, popliteal cavity and canal. At the site of the limb, it is placed near the external genital and epigastric aorta, which forms the femoral triangle and deep femoral artery.

The superficial femoral artery is considered a sufficiently large vessel that serves to provide blood to the lower extremities, external genital organs, and also the inguinal nodes. Its anatomical structure is the same for absolutely all people, with the exception of subtle differences. To determine exactly where the femoral artery is located, you need to examine it in the upper groin - from there it protrudes outward. In this zone, the vessel is very sensitive to mechanical bruises.

Aneurysm

Such an aorta, like other vessels, is prone to malaise and the formation of anomalies. One of these pathologies can be distinguished - aneurysm of the femoral artery. This anomaly is considered one of the most common diseases of this vessel. Aneurysm means the bulging of the membranes of the arterial passage as a result of their thinning. Visually, the ailment can be detected as a vibrating bulge in the region of the vessel. Best of all, the aneurysm is visible in the groin or under the knee, where it forms on one of the processes of the vessel - the popliteal aorta.

This anomaly, as a rule, is more exposed to women, since in men, signs of femoral artery disease are much less common. There are limited and diffuse aneurysms.

Reasons for the appearance

The sources of the onset of such a disease are factors leading to a thinning of the walls of blood vessels, namely:

hypertension (high blood pressure);
infections;
exposure to tar and nicotine when smoking;
obesity;
trauma;
increased intake of cholesterol;
surgical intervention (bleeding from the femoral artery may occur);
hereditary factor.

Contusions and surgeries are usually referred to as so-called "false" aneurysms. In this situation, the swelling of the vessel as such is not noted, and the disease is expressed by a pulsating hematoma surrounded by a tightening tissue.

Signs

The onset of the anomaly by the patient may not be felt at all, especially with small volumes of formations. However, with an increase in the tumor, vibrating pain in the leg can be felt - it increases with physical exertion. Indicators of aneurysm are also spasms of the affected limb, tissue death, and swelling of the limb. Similar symptoms are associated with a lack of blood circulation in the leg.

Diagnostics

In the diagnosis of such a disease, where even the common femoral artery can be damaged, the methods of instrumental examination are mostly used, however, in certain situations, laboratory diagnosis is also recommended. Instrumental areas of diagnostics include: ultrasound, angiography, MRI and computed tomography. To laboratory: general and biochemical analysis of urine and blood. In addition to such studies, a vascular surgeon's examination is also required.

Therapy

So far, surgery remains the only treatment for aneurysm. Depending on the difficulty of the pathology and the probable complications during the operation, one of the following methods can be used: bypass grafting, prosthetics. There is also the possibility of using the stenting method, which is considered easier for the patient. In the case of an extremely complex anomaly resulting in severe tissue necrosis, a leg amputation is necessary.

Effects

Quite common complications are the appearance of blood clots in the vessel, which may cause thromboembolism of the femoral artery. In addition, the occurrence of blood clots can cause them to enter the blood vessels of the brain, resulting in clogging, and subsequently this will only lead to a worsening of the patient's condition. Aneurysm ruptures are uncommon, and in most cases, leg embolism or gangrene occurs.

If the diagnosis is made in time, the development of the anomaly can be prevented, however, if the situation is neglected, negative consequences are likely in the form of amputation of the leg or even death of the patient. In this regard, even with minor suspicions of pathology, it is necessary to undergo the necessary diagnostics.

Thrombosis

This disease (also called thromboembolism) is a fairly common anomaly. With an imperceptible thrombosis (blockage) of the vessel with hematoma particles, fat emboli, and atherosclerotic plaques, patients at first do not observe changes. And only with a significant blockage of the vessel, the symptoms of this pathology are noticed. With a rapid blockage of the vessel, the patient instantly feels worsening, which in the future can lead to tissue necrosis, cutting off a leg or death.

Clinical indicators

Thromboembolism, where the artery (femoral) is significantly clogged, is characterized by a gradual increase in leg pain - this can be especially noticed when walking or various physical activities. This condition is associated with an imperceptible decrease in the vessel, as well as a decrease in the blood supply to the leg, the loss of its muscle mass. Along with this, the collateral vessel begins to open to improve blood circulation. This usually happens below the area where the blood clot itself originated.

When examining the leg, there is a pallor of its skin, a decrease in temperature (it is cool to the touch). The sensitivity of the affected part of the body where the artery (femoral) lies is reduced. Depending on the formation of the anomaly, the pulsation of the vessels can either be heard imperceptibly or not be heard at all.

Diagnostics

It is carried out using instrumental methods. For this, rheography and oscillography are used. However, arteriography is considered the most informative method of instrumental diagnostics, which makes it possible to clearly determine the location of the thrombus, as well as the degree of clogging of the vessel. A referral for such an examination is given when such signs are detected during the examination: reddened or pale skin of the leg, lack of sensitivity, pain during a period of calm. A visit to a vascular surgeon is also recommended, who will advise on what a femoral artery is, and what consequences can be expected from thrombosis.

Treatment

In the treatment of thromboembolism, drugs are used, and an operation is also performed. With drug treatment, anticoagulants are prescribed, agents with thrombolytic and antispastic effects. During surgical intervention, methods of vascular plastics, embolectomy and thromboectomy are used.

Femoral artery occlusion

Severe arterial occlusion is a sharp impairment of blood circulation in the distal part of the artery by a thrombus or embolus. The condition is considered extremely dangerous. As a result of occlusion in the aortas, the natural outflow of blood is disrupted, which leads to additional clot formation. The process can involve collaterals, a thrombus can spread even to the venous system. The condition is reversible within 3-6 hours from the moment of onset. At the end of this period, deep ischemia leads in the future to irreparable necrotic changes.

Thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities can occur at any age; they are more common in women. In most cases, embolism of the arteries of the lower extremities (femoral, popliteal) occurs.

In more rare cases, an embolism with fat droplets or air bubbles (fatty, air embolism) is possible.

An embolus located in the lumen of an artery and clogging it leads to a complete cessation of the normal blood flow, i.e. to a sharp and sudden disruption of blood circulation in that part of the limb, which is located below (distal) the location of the embolus, i.e., the place of blockage of the vessel ...

Quite often, new blood clots appear above and below the embolus, which further disrupts blood circulation in the limb.

Signs and symptoms of lower limb arterial thrombosis. Thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities occurs, as a rule, suddenly.

Only sometimes it is preceded by some cardiac disorders (arrhythmia, tachycardia, etc.), pain, numbness, paresthesia in the limb.

The main initial sign of arterial embolism is sudden, sharp pain in the limb ("like a whip"). Added to this is the feeling of a cold snap ("the leg looks like ice"), pallor and decreased sensitivity ("the leg is dead").

On examination, the forced position of the limb with the claw-like position of the fingers, pallor or "marbling" of the skin is determined.

Active movements in the joints below the site of the blockage of the artery are usually absent. With the help of special research methods, used mainly in a hospital environment (skin thermometry, capillaroscopy, oscillography, arteriography, etc.), it is possible to more accurately determine the degree of impairment of the passage of arteries, the localization of the embolus, etc.

Whenever a patient suffering from any cardiac or vascular disease has sudden sharp pains in one or another limb, one should think about the possibility of embolism (thrombosis) of the artery.

In the absence of proper emergency care, circulatory disturbances in arterial embolism can lead to limb gangrene.

It should be remembered that timely diagnosis and urgent hospitalization of patients with acute vascular obstruction make it possible to preserve their limb.

It is only necessary to create conditions for its maximum rest. To reduce the feeling of pain, the limb can be covered with bubbles of cold water or snow.

Remember, the information on the "Medical Reference" website is for informational purposes only and is not a guide to treatment. Treatment should be prescribed by your doctor personally, based on your symptoms and the tests performed. Do not self-medicate.

Arterial thrombosis

- acute blockage of the lumen of the artery caused by the formation of a blood clot on the altered vessel wall. Wall changes can be caused by atherosclerosis obliterans. trauma to the vessel. A blood clot forms on the damaged wall, which quickly clogs the lumen of the vessel.

With arterial embolism, the lumen of the vessel is clogged by a thrombus that has torn off in another arterial vessel or in the heart cavity. The risk of arterial embolism in atrial fibrillation is very high. In case of uneven contractions of the heart, blood clots can form in its cavities, when they break off and migrate along the aorta and then there is an embolism of the vessels located "along the path of the blood clot" - cerebral, upper limb arteries, intestinal arteries (mesenteric arteries), lower limb arteries, etc. ...

As a result of arterial thrombosis or embolism, the access of blood to the tissues instantly stops, for the blood supply of which the clogged vessel is responsible. Acute tissue ischemia occurs, which causes severe pain in the affected organ (limbs, abdomen with thrombosis of the intestinal arteries) and leads first to dysfunction of the organ, and then to tissue necrosis - gangrene develops. The severity of the disorder depends on the possible bypass pathways. For example, with thrombosis or embolism of the common femoral artery, limb ischemia is severe, because there are no alternative great vessels supplying blood to the limb. In case of thrombosis of the posterior tibial artery on the tibia, the disturbances are not so severe, because blood to the ischemic tissues comes from the branches of the collateral arteries - the anterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery of the lower leg.

Diagnosis of arterial thrombosis and limb embolism.

The disease begins acutely. The patient complains of sudden sharp pain in the limb. The pain can be very severe, there may be cold sweats and even a short-term loss of consciousness. The limb becomes pale, sometimes marbled in color, cold, pulsation of the arteries below the blockage is absent. Later, a violation of sensitivity develops, contractures are formed (limitation of movements). First, active movements are limited, when the patient cannot make the movement himself, but with the help of another person, movement is possible, and then passive, any movement in the limb is impossible. With thrombosis or embolism of the arteries of the limb, acute ischemia (oxygen starvation) of the limb develops, which is divided into degrees

1 degree - pain, mild sensory disturbances at rest or at the slightest exertion.
2 degree - divided into 3 subgroups. This division will allow you to choose the tactics of managing the patient, depending on the attitude to the subgroup.
2A degree - paresis of the limb - a decrease in muscle strength, active movements are preserved, with a slight decrease in their volume.
2B degree - paralysis of the limb - active movements are absent, passive ones are preserved.
Grade 2B - subfascial edema - against the background of persisting paralysis, edema of the muscles appears under their shell - the fascia. A distinctive feature of subfascial edema is edema only on the lower leg, the foot does not swell.
3 degree - contracture - impossibility of active and passive movements.
Grade 3A - contracture in the distal joints - fingers, ankle.
3B degree - total limb contracture.

Ultrasound of the arteries helps to clarify the diagnosis. angiography.

Treatment of arterial thrombosis and embolism.

Patients are treated only in a hospital. Depending on the degree of ischemia, it is possible to conservatively (thrombolysis, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, angioprotectors, intra-arterial drug block) or (and) surgical treatment - thrombus removal, endarterectomy, bypass surgery.

With 1 degree, conservative therapy is possible, with the ineffectiveness of which the operation is performed. At grade 2A, conservative therapy is still possible, but more often surgery is preferred. With 2B degree - only surgical treatment. In grade 2B, when the muscles are compressed by edema under the fascia, in addition to vascular surgery, an incision is made in the fascia (fasciotomy) to release the compressed muscles. 3rd degree of ischemia means that the development of limb gangrene is inevitable. At grade 3A, operations on the vessels are still possible, but only with the aim of improving blood flow in still viable tissues, which in some cases reduces the level of amputation. Grade 3B is an unambiguous indication for high amputation (at the thigh level).

Thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities

Embolism of large arteries of the extremities is characterized by sudden (acute) obstruction of blood vessels resulting from blockage of the lumen of the artery by an embolus, i.e., a detached part of a blood clot located anywhere in the body. In more rare cases, an embolism with fat droplets or air bubbles (fatty, air embolism) is possible. An embolus located in the lumen of an artery and clogging it leads to a complete cessation of the normal blood flow, i.e. to a sharp and sudden disruption of blood circulation in that part of the limb, which is located below (distal) the location of the embolus, i.e., the place of blockage of the vessel ...

Quite often, new blood clots appear above and below the embolus, which further disrupts blood circulation in the limb. Thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities can occur at any age; they are more common in women. In most cases, embolism of the arteries of the lower extremities (femoral, popliteal) occurs.

Causes of arterial thrombosis of the lower extremities. Thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities occurs as a complication in various diseases of the heart (valvular defects, endocarditis) and large vessels (atherosclerosis, aneurysms), as well as in some infectious diseases (typhoid fever, diphtheria, etc.) or after some operations.

Signs and symptoms of lower limb arterial thrombosis. Thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities occurs, as a rule, suddenly. Only sometimes it is preceded by some cardiac disorders (arrhythmia, tachycardia, etc.), pain, numbness, paresthesia in the limb. The main initial sign of arterial embolism is sudden, sharp pain in the limb ("like a whip"). Added to this is the feeling of a cold snap ("the leg looks like ice"), pallor and decreased sensitivity ("the leg is dead"). On examination, the forced position of the limb with the claw-like position of the fingers, pallor or "marbling" of the skin is determined.

The limb is cold, painful. There is no pulse (below the blockage and on the periphery of the limb). Sometimes at the site of the blockage of the vessel, you can feel its thickening (the location of the embolus). Active movements in the joints below the site of the blockage of the artery are usually absent. With the help of special research methods, used mainly in a hospital environment (skin thermometry, capillaroscopy, oscillography, arteriography, etc.), it is possible to more accurately determine the degree of impairment of the passage of arteries, the localization of the embolus, etc.

Whenever a patient suffering from any cardiac or vascular disease has sudden sharp pains in one or another limb, one should think about the possibility of embolism (thrombosis) of the artery. In the absence of proper emergency care, circulatory disturbances in arterial embolism can lead to limb gangrene.

Thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities first aid. With only one suspicion of thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities, i.e., acute obstruction of the vessels, the patient is subject to an urgent referral to the surgical department. It should be remembered that timely diagnosis and urgent hospitalization of patients with acute vascular obstruction make it possible to preserve their limb.

Thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities transportation. Transportation in case of thrombosis of the arteries of the extremities - in a supine position on a soft pad. The affected limb should not be warmed, and also given an elevated position. It is only necessary to create conditions for its maximum rest. To reduce the feeling of pain, the limb can be covered with bubbles of cold water or snow.

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Location of the femoral artery

The femoral artery is a continuation of the iliac artery, emerges from under the inguinal fold and divides into smaller vessels involved in blood supply:

Muscles and skin of the anterior abdominal wall.
Inguinal nodes and tissues of the femoral triangle.
The muscles of the entire thigh.
Knee joints, pelvic bones.
External genital organs.
Muscles of the calf, lower leg and foot.

The superficial femoral artery, epigastric artery and the external genital artery are included in the Scarpa triangle (femoral triangle). This area is bounded inside by muscles, inguinal ligaments, and outside by thin skin, under which you can feel the pulsation of the artery. It is in this place that the artery is pressed against the bone when it is injured and severely bleeding.

The femoral artery passes in the thigh in the tendon canal and exits into the popliteal fossa, where its pulsation can also be felt. In the same plane with the arteries are the veins of the same name, which drain blood from the limbs. The projection of the femoral artery allows surgeons to bypass the vessels during the operation during the operation, which reduces the risk of bleeding. The anatomical location of the femoral artery and the large branches extending from it is practically the same in all people, small deviations are considered the norm. The location of the artery must also be known for the implementation of surgical intervention for blood clots, wounds, and removal of atherosclerotic plaques. In diagnostic studies, it is also customary for some diseases to puncture the femoral artery. Catheterization of the artery in the femoral triangle is carried out during the installation of a pacemaker and during the provision of emergency care - other great vessels with low blood pressure collapse much faster than the femoral artery.

Femoral artery pathology

In the femoral artery, as in other vessels of the human body, it is possible to develop many pathologies that end with surgical intervention. Such diseases include aneurysm and blood clots.

A femoral artery aneurysm is a saccular protrusion of the vessel wall, limited to a local area or spread over a large extent. The wall of the artery, under the influence of unfavorable factors, loses its elasticity, under the influence of the current strength it expands and forms a protrusion. The reasons for the appearance of an aneurysm are:

Atherosclerotic plaques.
Injuries.
Hypertonic disease.
Infectious and inflammatory diseases (vasculitis).
Previous surgical interventions.

Aneurysm in rare cases is congenital, with injuries, false protrusions often develop, which are a cavity on the vessel into the lumen of which blood is pumped.

In most cases, an aneurysm of the femoral artery does not lead to rupture, but provokes a limitation of the motor activity of the limb and impaired sensitivity. At the first stage of the formation of a protrusion, a sharp pain appears, which quickly passes and a feeling of numbness remains. The limb loses sensitivity, the skin becomes pale with a bluish tinge, blood flow is disturbed, which leads to a deterioration in the function of the pelvic organs, lameness and ultimately to paralysis. Untreated aneurysm can cause gangrene and subsequent limb amputation. The rupture of the walls of the aneurysm is accompanied by gastrointestinal bleeding and signs of shock - a drop in blood pressure, tachycardia, pallor, severe weakness. If a rupture is detected, an emergency surgical operation is required. If there are symptoms of aneurysm, a phlebologist or surgeon sends the patient for additional examinations - angiography, duplex scanning, computed tomography. Carrying out these studies allows you to fully see the picture of violations in the walls of blood vessels, the blood flow rate, concomitant changes in the surrounding tissues. Treatment of aneurysms is mainly carried out by surgical methods - the vessel is sutured or a special stent is inserted into it, which acts as a frame. Conservative treatment is possible only with a small protrusion and in the absence of severe symptoms of the disease.

Femoral artery thrombosis - blockage of the main lumen of the vessel by a thrombus. A thrombus develops on the inner wall of the vessel as a result of an atherosclerotic plaque or trauma, platelets accumulate at the sites of their formation, forming a clot. The disease does not develop abruptly, the main symptoms that are paid attention to when making a diagnosis:

The patient complains of gradually increasing pain. Soreness increases with walking and can be localized in the foot, over the entire surface of the limb and in the calf muscles. The pain is intense, forcing the person to rest every few hundred meters when walking.
The limb is pale, the skin is cool to the touch, there is a decrease in sensitivity.
In the later stages, the pain becomes constant, the skin acquires a purple or cyanotic hue, there is no pulsation of the arteries where they exit under the skin. Blackening of the limb indicates the onset of gangrene.

The development of all signs of arterial thrombosis occurs quite quickly, sometimes this process takes a little more than a day, but most often it takes from one week to 10 days before the development of gangrene. Thrombosis treatment depends on the stage of the disease, but in any case, the patient needs to be hospitalized in the vascular department. In the early stages, the limb is immobilized, blood-thinning drugs are prescribed, with severe thrombosis, an urgent operation is required.

The femoral artery is involved in the blood supply to the lower extremities and the pelvic region, so any change in its structure can lead to very serious consequences. Paying attention to unpleasant symptoms, and passing the examination on time, in most half of the cases it is possible to avoid surgery and

Location

The artery of the thigh starts from the iliac trunk. On the outside of the leg, the canal extends down into a groove between the muscle tissues.

In the same place there is a nerve located under the skin. The femoral branches go back a little, moving through the canal opening, go to the back of the leg and enter the area under the knee. At this site, the femoral canal ends and the popliteal artery begins.

Main branches

Branch	Location
Epigastric femoral artery	Departs from the anterior part of the femoral vessel in the groin area. Then it goes into the depths of the superficial layer of the wide fascia, moves upward, after which it is located on the abdominal wall in front. At this point, it stretches under the skin, reaching the navel, it merges with other branches. The activity of the epigastric superficial artery is to provide blood to the skin, the walls of the external oblique muscle tissues of the abdomen.
Genital branches	Usually there are 2-3 of them, they go around in front and behind the periphery of the thigh vein. After that, one of them goes up, reaches the suprapubic part and is divided into several more directions in the skin. The remaining branches move over the comb muscle, pass through the fascia and go to the genitals.
Femoral superficial artery	It departs from the epigastric vessel, bends around the ilium and moves to the upper part parallel to the groin fold. The function of the branch is to feed the integument, tissues, lymph nodes in the groin with blood.

Inguinal branches

They originate from the external genital arteries, after which they reach the wide femoral fascia. PVs provide blood supply to the skin, tissues, lymph nodes located in the groin.

Deep artery of the thigh

The vessel that bends around the femur leaves the deep trunk, heading into the depths of the limb. After that, it passes around the neck of the femur bone.

Branches of the medial canal

The medial artery has branches around the femur. These include branches:

Ascending. It is presented in the form of a small trunk that runs at the top and inside. Then several more branches depart from the vessel, heading towards the tissues.
Transverse. Thin, goes to the lower zone along the surface of the comb muscle to pass between it and the adductor muscle tissue. The vessel supplies blood to the nearby muscles.
Deep. It is the largest in size. It moves to the back of the thigh, passes between the muscles and branches into two components.
Acetabular vessel. It is a thin branch that enters the other arteries of the lower extremities. Together, they supply blood to the hip joint.

Lateral trunk

The lateral artery bends around the thigh bone, leaves the surface of the deep canal outward.

After that, it is removed to the outer region of the anterior iliopsoas, posterior sartorius and rectus muscles. It approaches the greater trochanter of the thigh bone and breaks down into:

Ascending branch. It moves to the top, goes under the tissue surrounding the fascia of the thigh and the gluteus muscle.
Descending branch. It is powerful enough. It starts from the outer wall of the main trunk, runs under the rectus femur muscle, goes down between the tissues of the legs, nourishing them. Then it comes to the knee zone, connects to the branches of the artery located under the knee. Passing through the muscles, it supplies blood to the quadriceps femoral muscle, after which it is divided into several branches moving to the skin of the limb.

Cross branch. It is presented in the form of a small trunk. The vessel produces blood supply to the proximal rectus and lateral muscle tissue.

Piercing channels

There are only 3 such trunks. They start from the deep femoral artery in different parts of it. Vessels move to the back of the thigh at the point where the muscles connect to the bone.

Then the perforating arteries go towards the posterior femoral surface. Provides blood to the muscles and skin in this part of the limb. Several more branches depart from them.

Descending artery of the knee

This vessel is very long. It starts from the femoral artery in the adductor canal. But it can also depart from the lateral vessel, which bends around the thigh bone. This is much less common.

The descending trunk of the knee has the following branches:

Subcutaneous. It is located deep in the medial wide tissue of the limb.
Articular. This femoral branch is involved in the formation of a network of joints of the knee and patella.

Vascular disorders

Atherosclerosis. This ailment is characterized by the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels. The presence of this pathology increases the risk of thromboembolism. A large accumulation of deposits causes weakening and damage to its walls, impairs permeability.
Thrombosis. The disease is the formation of blood clots that can lead to dangerous consequences. If a blood clot closes the vessel, the leg tissue will begin to die off. This leads to limb amputation or death.
Aneurysm. The disease is no less life-threatening for patients. With it, a protrusion occurs on the surface of the artery, the vessel wall becomes thinner and more vulnerable to damage. A ruptured aneurysm can be fatal due to rapid and massive blood loss.

If one of the pathologies is identified, the treatment regimen should be prescribed exclusively by the doctor. In no case can you ignore these violations.

Thus, the femoral artery has a complex structure, a large number of branches. Each vessel performs its role, supplying blood to the skin and other areas of the lower limb.

Many people confuse the concepts of veins and arteries. Let's see how these two elements of the human circulatory system differ from each other, before moving on to an overview of a specific part of it.

A heart

Signs of thrombosis of the superficial femoral vein are:

Swelling and pain in the legs, starting in the groin and below.
Cyanosis of the skin on the legs.
A so-called petechial rash with small red dots.
An increase in body temperature as a result of phlebitis - inflammation of the vessel walls.

In deep vein thrombosis, there are two stages: white and blue phlegmas. At the initial stage, due to impaired blood circulation, the skin of the leg becomes pale, cold to the touch, with severe pain.

Blue phlegmas is a sign of overcrowding of venous vessels with blood. With it, the skin may darken, and swellings appear on its surface, which contain hemorrhagic fluid. With such symptoms, thrombosis runs the risk of spilling over into acute gangrene.

Preconditions of deep vein thrombosis

Most often, deep vein thrombosis occurs when a vessel is compressed over time by a tumor or bone fragment during a fracture. Another reason for the formation of a plug is impaired blood circulation in certain diseases. Poorly circulating blood leads to stagnation and, accordingly, blood clots. The key causes of clogged veins are:

A drop in the rate of blood circulation in the vessels.
Increased blood clotting time.
Damage to the walls of blood vessels.
Prolonged immobility, for example with a serious illness.

Certain professional activities have a negative impact on the condition of the veins. Sellers, cashiers, pilots, international drivers have a hard time. They are forced to stand or sit in one position for a long time. Therefore, they are at risk. Frequently recurring illnesses that lead to dehydration, such as acute intestinal infections accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, chronic bowel and pancreatic diseases. It also occurs against the background of excessive intake of drugs with a diuretic effect. Dangerous pathologies that cause an imbalance of fats and proteins, including diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, cancer. To increase the likelihood of platelets sticking together, bad habits lead to: smoking, alcohol abuse.

What is femoral vein catheterization for? More on this below.

Diagnostics and treatment

Needless to say, the importance of timely diagnosis and medication or other intervention for DVT is not worth mentioning. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to do ultrasound or Doppler ultrasound of the femoral vein. Such a diagnosis will help determine the exact location of the thrombus and the degree of its fixation to the vessel wall. In other words, to understand whether it can break off and clog the vessel, as well as cause pulmonary embolism or not. Also, when DVT is detected, the phlebography method is used - X-ray with a contrast agent. However, the most accurate method today is angiography. On the eve of the procedure, you must observe strict bed rest. Femoral vein puncture is sometimes done.

Treatment for DVT depends on the cause of the disease and the individual patient. If the vessel is not completely blocked and the thrombus is unlikely to separate, then conservative therapy is indicated. It is necessary to restore the patency of the veins, prevent the violation of the integrity of the thrombus and avoid embolism. To achieve the above goals, special medications, ointments, and compression therapy are used, for example, it is recommended to wear special compression stockings.

If the patient is in a satisfactory condition, but drug treatment is contraindicated for him, then surgical methods of treating deep thrombosis are used. The operation is carried out using the latest equipment and is highly technological. Thrombectomy is prescribed when the risk of a thrombus rupture and blockage of the main vessels is not excluded. This plug is removed through a small incision by inserting a special catheter. During the operation, the clogged vessel is completely cleared, but relapse is not excluded.

To avoid thrombosis, you need to adhere to some rules and completely rethink your lifestyle. It is recommended to give up bad habits, eat right, lead a physically active lifestyle, try to avoid injuries to the lower extremities, etc. We examined the femoral arteries and veins. Now you know how they differ and what they are.

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