For femoral vein cannulation, the femoral vein is accessed in the femoral triangle. Its surface marking from the midpoint of the inguinal ligament is:

• A At the midpoint of the inguinal ligament itself
• B 1 cm lateral to the femoral artery pulsation
• C At the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic tubercle
• D 1 cm medial to the femoral artery pulsation at the mid-inguinal point ✓

Explanation

The femoral vein lies 1 cm medial to the femoral artery, which itself is palpated at the mid-inguinal point (midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and the pubic symphysis, NOT the pubic tubercle — this is a common source of confusion). The midinguinal point is the surface marking of the femoral artery; the mid-point of the inguinal ligament (between ASIS and pubic tubercle) marks the deep inguinal ring. For femoral vein access, the needle is inserted 1 cm medial to the arterial pulse, below the inguinal ligament.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.