The radiographic relationship of the femoral head, inguinal ligament, and common femoral artery bifurcation for optimal vascular access

Abstract

Objective: Common femoral artery (CFA) access is commonly used for endovascular interventions. Access site complications contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. This study characterizes the radiographic variability in the relationship of the femoral head, the inguinal ligament, and the CFA bifurcation, to identify the zone of optimal CFA access. Methods: Human cadaver dissection of the inguinal ligament and CFA bifurcation was performed. The inguinal ligament and CFA bifurcation were marked with radiopaque pins and plain anteroposterior radiographs were obtained. Radiographic measurements of the femoral head length, the distance of the top of the femoral head to the inguinal ligament, and to the CFA bifurcation were obtained. Results were reported as percentage of femoral head covered by the inguinal ligament or the CFA bifurcation relative to the top of the femoral head. A heatmap was derived to determine a safe access zone between the inguinal ligament and CFA bifurcation. Results: Forty-five groin dissections (male, n = 20; female, n = 25) were performed in 26 cadavers. The mean overlap of the inguinal ligament with the femoral head was 11.2 mm (range, −19.4 to 27.4 mm). There were no age (25% overlap. In 11.1%, there was an overlap between the lower one-third of the femoral head and the CFA bifurcation. Cumulatively, heatmap analysis depicted a >80% likelihood of avoiding the inguinal ligament and CFA bifurcation below the midpoint of the femoral head. Conclusions: Significant variability exists in the relationship between the inguinal ligament, CFA bifurcation, and the femoral head, suggesting the lack of a consistently safe access zone. The safest access zone in >80% of patients lies below the radiographic midpoint of the femoral head and the inferior aspect of the femoral head. : Clinical Relevance: The primary site of access for percutaneous endovascular arterial interventions across multiple specialties remains the common femoral artery. Although femoral artery access is most commonly safe, access-related complications such as retroperitoneal hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysms, or arteriovenous fistulae can contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. Through cadaver dissection, this study highlights significant variability in the relationship between the inguinal ligament, the femoral head, and the common femoral artery bifurcation. The optimal zone of access overlies the lower one-half of the femoral head in most cases.

Keywords

• Common femoral artery
• Inguinal ligament