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. To the lower zone of the leg, nutrients and blood go through capillaries and small vessels branched from the femoral artery. All kinds of aortic diseases can lead to a disorder of the main work of the lower extremities, 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”. It runs through the iliac-scallop and femoral fossa, popliteal groove and canal. At the place of lying on the limb, it is located near the external genital and epigastric aorta, which forms the femoral triangle and the deep femoral artery.
The superficial femoral artery is considered a sufficiently large vessel, which serves to provide blood to the lower extremities, the external genital organs, as well as the inguinal nodes. Its anatomical structure is equally absolute for all people, with the exception of imperceptible differences. To determine where the femoral artery is located, you need to examine it in the upper part of the 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 - femoral artery aneurysm. This anomaly is considered one of the most common diseases of this vessel. Aneurysm means bulging of the membranes of the arterial passage as a result of their thinning. Visually, the disease can be detected as a vibrating bulge in the area of the vessel. Aneurysm is best seen in the inguinal part 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 the 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 thinning of the walls of blood vessels, namely:
- hypertension (high blood pressure);
- infections
- exposure to tar and nicotine during smoking;
- obesity;
- injuries
- increased intake of cholesterol;
- surgical intervention (bleeding from the femoral artery may occur);
- hereditary factor.
Bruises and operations are usually referred to as the so-called “erroneous” aneurysm. In this situation, the swelling of the vessel as such is not noted, and the disease is expressed by a pulsating hematoma surrounded by coagulation.
Signs
The beginning 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, a vibrating pain in the leg can be felt - it intensifies with physical exertion. Indications for aneurysm are 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, for the most part methods of instrumental examination are used , however, in certain situations, laboratory diagnostics are recommended. Instrumental areas of diagnosis include: ultrasound, angiography, MRI and computed tomography. To laboratory: general and biochemical analysis of urine and blood. In addition to such studies, an examination of a vascular surgeon is also required.
Therapy
So far, the only treatment for aneurysm is surgery. Depending on the difficulty of the pathology and possible complications during surgery, one of the following methods can be used: vessel bypass surgery, prosthetics. There is still the possibility of using the stenting method, which is considered more facilitated for the patient. In the case of an extremely complex anomaly brought to severe tissue necrosis, leg amputation is necessary.
Effects
Quite frequent complications are the appearance of blood clots in a vessel, which may cause thromboembolism of the femoral artery. In addition, the occurrence of blood clots can cause them to penetrate the vessels of the brain, as a result of which they will clog, and subsequently this will only lead to a worsening of the patient's condition. Aneurysm ruptures occur infrequently, in most cases leg embolism or gangrene occurs .
If a diagnosis is made in time, then the development of the anomaly can be prevented, however, with a running situation, negative consequences are likely in the form of leg amputation or even patient death. In this regard, even with slight suspicion of pathology, it is necessary to undergo the necessary diagnostics.
Thrombosis
This disease (also called thromboembolism) is a fairly common abnormality. With imperceptible thrombosis (blockage) of the vessel by hematoma particles, fat emboli, as well as atherosclerotic plaques, patients initially do not observe changes. And only with a significant clogging of the vessel, symptoms of this pathology are noticed. With a quick blockage of the vessel, the patient instantly feels deterioration, which in the future can lead to tissue necrosis, clipping of the leg or death.
Clinical indicators
Thromboembolism, where the artery (femoral) is significantly clogged, is characterized by a gradual increase in pain in the leg - this is especially noticeable when walking or in various physical activities. This condition is associated with an imperceptible decrease in the vessel, as well as a decrease in blood supply to the leg, loss of its muscle mass. Along with this, to improve blood circulation, a collateral vessel begins to open. This usually happens below the area where the blood clot itself occurred.
When examining a leg, pallor of her skin and a decrease in temperature are noted (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 imperceptibly heard or not heard at all.
Diagnostics
It is carried out using instrumental methods. For this, rheography and oscillography are used. However, the most informative instrumental diagnostic technique, which makes it possible to clearly determine the location of the thrombus, as well as the degree of clogging of the vessel, is considered arteriography. A referral to such an examination is given if such signs are found during the examination: reddened or pale skin of the leg, lack of sensitivity, pain during calm. A visit to a vascular surgeon is also recommended, who will advise about what the femoral artery is , and what consequences from thrombosis can be expected.
Treatment
In the treatment of thromboembolism, drugs are used, and an operation is also performed. With drug treatment, anticoagulants, drugs with thrombolytic and antispastic effects are prescribed. During surgical intervention, methods of vascular plasty, embolectomy and thromboectomy are used.
Femoral Artery Occlusion
Strong arterial occlusion is a sharp violation of the blood circulation of the distal part of the artery by a thrombus or embolus. The condition is considered extremely dangerous. As a result of occlusion in the aorta, the natural outflow of blood is disrupted, which leads to the additional formation of clots. The process can cover the collateral, a blood clot can spread even to the venous system. The condition is reversible within 3-6 hours from the moment of occurrence. At the end of this period, deep ischemia subsequently leads to irreparable necrotic changes.