In this post, I link to Dr. GABER MUBARAK‘s excellent video, Femoral Central Venous Catheterization Theory & Practice, 13:43, Dec 13, 2013.
The above video demonstrates how to place a femoral venous line when an ultrasound is unavailable.
In cardiac arrest, there is no pulse and so the method in this video is not applicable. In that case, ultrasound (which is always preferred, if available) is necessary.
Dec 2, 2013
ANATOMY
Femoral vein
The femoral vein lies within the femoral sheath and courses under the inguinal ligament; it then becomes the external iliac artery. The vein is located approximately 1 cm medial to the femoral artery. The femoral nerve is lateral to the vein. Needle entry occurs 2 to 3 cm inferior to the inguinal ligament, 1 cm medial to the femoral artery pulsation.
Central venous lines are essential tools in the care of complicated patients, both on inpatient wards and in the emergency department and intensive care unit. They may provide access for blood draws, facilitate central administration of fluids and medications, and allow direct measurement of cardiac filling pressure.
The three main approaches used to place central lines are the internal jugular, subclavian, and femoral. This chapter reviews the subclavian approach; other sites are detailed in separate chapters
