Catheter placement in femoral vein

Catheter placement in femoral vein

Femoral vein and its location near the groin, where catheter enters vein

For angiography, a thin, soft tube (catheter) is placed in a blood vessel in the groin (such as in the femoral vein). First, a doctor freezes the area with a local anesthetic. Then, a needle is placed into the blood vessel. A guide wire is put through the needle into the blood vessel and the needle is removed. The catheter is slid over the guide wire and moved into the blood vessel. The catheter is guided through the blood vessels until the tip is in the area to be studied.

Current as of: December 19, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Rakesh K. Pai MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
John A. McPherson MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology
Michael P. Pignone MD, MPH, FACP - Internal Medicine