The femoral artery (artery, from the Latin arteria, from the Greek arteria, femoral, from the lower Latin femoralis) is one of the main arteries of the lower limbs.

Position. Two in number, the femoral arteries are located in the lower limbs, and more precisely between the hip and the knee (1).

Origin. The femoral artery follows the external iliac artery at the hip (1).

Path. The femoral artery passes through the femoral triangle, formed in part by the inguinal ligament. It extends through the adductor canal, extending along the femoral bone from the femoral triangle to the adductor tendon hiatus (1) (2).

Termination. The femoral artery terminates and is extended by the popliteal artery from the tendon hiatus of the adductor (1).

Branches of the femoral artery. Along its path, the femoral artery gives rise to different branches (2):

• The superficial epigastric artery originates below the inguinal ligament, then ascends.
• The shameful external arteries go to the skin of the inguinal region. They also travel at the level of the labia majora of the vulva in women, and in the scrotum in men.
• The superficial iliac circumflex artery runs towards the skin of the hip, and more particularly in the region of the iliac spine.
• The deep femoral artery arises about 5cm from the inguinal ligament and represents the most important branch of the femoral artery. It then gives rise to several branches: the medial circumflex artery of the thigh, the lateral circumflex artery of the thigh, and three to four other perforating arteries.
• The descending artery of the knee originates within the adductor canal and travels to the level of the knee and the median side of the leg.

Irrigation. The femoral artery allows the vascularization of numerous structures within the hips and lower limbs, and mainly in the thigh.

Pathologies affecting the femoral artery can cause pain in the lower limbs.

Arteritis of the lower limbs. Arteritis of the lower limbs corresponds to an alteration of the walls of the arteries, including that of the femoral artery (3). This pathology causes an obstruction of the artery causing a decrease in the supply of blood and oxygen. The structures are poorly irrigated and the muscles lack oxygen. This is called ischemia. Arteritis is often due to the deposition of cholesterol with the formation of plaques, atheromas. These cause an inflammatory reaction: atherosclerosis. These inflammatory reactions can reach red blood cells and cause thrombosis.

Thrombosis. This pathology corresponds to the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. When this pathology affects an artery, it is called arterial thrombosis.

Hypertension artérielle. This pathology corresponds to an excessive pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries, occurring in particular at the level of the femoral artery. It can increase the risk of vascular disease (4).

Drug treatments. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, certain drugs may be prescribed, in particular to lower blood pressure.

Thrombolyse. Used during strokes, this treatment consists of breaking up the thrombi, or blood clots, with the help of drugs.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the pathology diagnosed and its evolution, surgery may be necessary. In the event of arteritis, clamping of the femoral artery can, for example, be performed to temporarily interrupt blood flow in the artery (2).

Physical examination. First, a clinical examination is carried out in order to identify and assess the pain perceived by the patient.

Medical imaging exams. X-ray, CT, CT, and arteriography examinations can be used to confirm or further the diagnosis.

Doppler ultrasound. This specific ultrasound makes it possible to observe the blood flow.

In the event of arteritis, clamping of the femoral artery may be performed to temporarily stop circulation in the artery (2). The term “clamping” comes from the English term “clamp” in connection with the surgical clamp used in this technique.