What it means
The main artery of the thigh, a continuation of the iliac artery. Its pulse can be felt in the groin. Because it is large and close to the surface there, it is often used to pass catheters to the heart and other arteries (as in a cardiac catheterizationKAR-dee-ak kath-uh-ter-ih-ZAY-shunA procedure in which a thin tube is threaded through a blood vessel into the heart to take pictures, measure pressures or open blocked arteries.Full entry ) and to draw arterial blood in emergencies.
For the nurse
After a procedure through the femoral artery, check the site for bleeding or a swelling (hematoma) and check the pulses, color, warmth and feeling of the leg below it. Keep the leg straight for the time ordered, and apply firm pressure and call for help if bleeding starts.
At a glance
| Spanish | arteria femoral |
|---|---|
| Also written | femoral arteries |
Related terms
artery
A blood vessel that takes blood from the heart out to the body.
hematoma
A collection of blood, often clotted, that has leaked out of the blood vessels into the tissue.
cardiac catheterization
A procedure in which a thin tube is threaded through a blood vessel into the heart to take pictures, measure pressures or open blocked arteries.
femoral
Relating to the thigh or the femur, the thigh bone.