Ultrasonographic Assessment of Femoral Vein Diameter in Femoral Triangle

This prospective, analytical study was conducted in our university hospital from June 2010 to September 2011 and aimed to know the effect of abdominal compression on the transverse diameter of femoral vein using ultrasonography on stable patients in emergency room and intensive care units. All the stable patients in emergency room [ER] and in Intensive Care Units [ICUs] were included in the study. Patients with acute abdomen, abdominal and pelvic trauma presenting to ER, patients with ascites, peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, congestive cardiac failure, pediatric patients less than 12 years were excluded from the study. The femoral vein was located using ultra sound machine with two-dimensional 10 MHz linear probe aligned transversely at 2 cm distal to groin. The transverse diameter of the femoral vein was measured at the same level and repeated after applying gentle abdominal compression below the umbilicus using the palm of both hands. This procedure is done on both sides. Measurements were recorded and statistically analyzed. This study was conducted on 195 cases. The mean and standard deviation of the transverse diameter of the right femoral vein before abdominal compression was 11.1 mm and +/_1.48mm and that after abdominal compression was 14.14mm and +/_ 1.56mm. The mean and standard deviation of the transverse diameter of the left femoral vein before abdominal compression was 10.1mm and +/_ 1.44mm and that after abdominal compression was 13.26mm and +/_1.46mm. This study concludes that abdominal compression increases the transverse diameter of femoral vein. Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospitals, Vinayaka Mission University, Sankari Main Road [NH-47], Veerapondi-Post, Salem-636308, Tamilnadu,India. E mail: [email protected] Department of Accident, Emergency and Critical care Medicine, Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospitals, Vinayaka Mission University, Sankari Main Road [NH-47], Veerapondi-Post, Salem-636308, Tamilnadu,India. E mail: [email protected] Head, Department of Accident , Emergency Medicine and Critical care Medicine, Vinayaka Mission's Kirupananda Variyar Medical College & Hospitals, Vinayaka Mission University, Sankari Main Road [NH-47], Veerapondi-Post, Salem-636308, Tamilnadu,India. E mail: [email protected]