Anatomicalvariations of the vessels in the femoral triangle – A case report

Abstract

The femoral triangle is an important site for various clinical procedures. A sound knowledge about the anatomical variations of femoral vessels and their branches in the femoral triangle is important to prevent inadvertent damage to these vessels during surgical procedures and for successful arterial and venous cannulation for various purposes. This case report describes the clinically important abnormal vascular patternsof the left femoral region of a middle aged Sri Lankan man observed during routine dissection. Profundafemoris artery originated 1 cm below the inguinal ligament from the lateral aspect of the common femoral arteryat a higher level than that documented in the standard text books and in most of the previous studies. Subsequently femoral artery crossed superficially over the femoral vein and the femoral vein was lying deep to the femoral artery in most part of the femoral triangle. The profunda femoral vein drained into the femoral vein as described in the text books nearly 3 - 4 cm below the inguinal ligament. Medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries originated from profundafemoris artery. Even though the variations are mostly incidental findings and being of general anatomical interest, knowledge of these variations appears to be mandatory for planning surgery and vascular interventions. It also serves as a reminder that constant vascular landmarks can occasionally be subject to marked variability. Ultrasonography should be used particularly for more difficult femoral vascular access.