Artery femoral: aneurysm and thrombosis. Thromboembolism of the femoral artery

The femoral artery is a large vessel, the main function of which is the supply of blood to all parts of the lower limbs, from the hip and to the toes. To the lower leg area, nutrients and blood go along the capillaries and small vessels spaced from the femoral artery. All kinds of aortic diseases can lead to a breakdown in the basic work of the lower extremities, the abdominal and pelvic parts.

Where is it located

Such an artery is located from the beginning of the superficial iliac aorta from the inner wall of the thigh, from where it comes to the surface. Therefore, it is called "femoral." Passes through the iliac crest and femoral fossa, popliteal cavity and canal. In the place of lying on the limb, it is located near the external genital and epigastric aorta, which forms the femoral triangle and the deep artery of the thigh.

The superficial femoral artery is considered to be a sufficiently large vessel, which serves to provide blood to the lower extremities, external genital organs, and inguinal nodes. Its anatomical structure is equally absolute for all people, except for discreet differences. To determine exactly where the femoral artery is located, you need to examine it in the upper part of the groin - from there it protrudes outward. In this zone, the vessel is very sensitive to mechanical bruises.

Aneurysm

Such aorta, like other vessels, is prone to malaise and the formation of anomalies. One of such pathologies can be identified - an aneurysm of the femoral artery. This anomaly is considered one of the most common diseases of this vessel. Aneurysm means protruding the membranes of the arterial passage as a result of their thinning. Visually, the disease can be detected as a vibrating bulge in the area of the vessel. An aneurysm is best seen in the inguinal part or under the knee, where it is formed on one of the appendages of the vessel - popliteal aorta.

This anomaly, as a rule, is more exposed to women, as in men the signs of the disease of the femoral artery are marked much less often. There are limited and diffuse aneurysms.

Causes of appearance

Sources of the origin of such a disease are factors leading to thinning of the walls of blood vessels, namely:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure);
• Infection;
• The effect of tar and nicotine on smoking;
• obesity;
• Injuries;
• Increased cholesterol intake;
• Surgical intervention (bleeding from the femoral artery may occur);
• Hereditary factor.

Bruises and operations usually refer to the so-called "erroneous" aneurysm. In this situation, the swelling of the vessel as such is not noted, and the disease is expressed by a pulsatile hematoma, surrounded by a clinging tissue.

Symptoms

The onset of anomaly by the patient may not be felt at all, especially with small amounts of formations. However, with an increase in the tumor, there may be a vibrating pain in the leg - it increases with physical exertion. Indicators of an aneurysm are also spasms of the affected limb, tissue death, as well as swelling of the limb. Similar symptoms are associated with a lack of blood circulation in the leg.

Diagnostics

In diagnosing such a disease, where even the common femoral artery may be damaged, most of the methods of instrumental examination are used , but in certain situations laboratory diagnostics is recommended. Instrumental directions of diagnosis include: ultrasound, angiography, MRI and computed tomography. To laboratory: general and biochemical analysis of urine and blood. In addition to such studies, a vascular surgeon is also required to be examined.

Therapy

While the only method of treating an aneurysm is surgical intervention. Depending on the difficulty of the pathology and the possible complications during surgery, one of such methods can be used: shunting of the vessel, prosthetics. There is also the possibility of using the stenting method, which is considered to be easier for the patient. In the case of an extremely complex anomaly, brought to severe tissue necrosis, an amputation of the leg is necessary .

Effects

Quite frequent complications are the appearance of thrombi in the vessel, because of which thromboembolism of the femoral artery may appear. In addition, the appearance of blood clots can cause them to penetrate into the vessels of the brain, as a result of which they become clogged, and subsequently this will only lead to a worsening of the patient's condition. Aneurysm ruptures occur infrequently, in most cases there is embolism or gangrene of the foot.

If the diagnosis is made in time, then the development of the anomaly can be prevented, however, if the situation is started, negative consequences are likely in the form of amputation of the foot or even death of the patient. In this regard, even with minor suspicions of pathology, you need to go through the necessary diagnostics.

Thrombosis

This disease (also called thromboembolism) is a rather often noted anomaly. With inconspicuous thrombosis (blockage) of the vessel with hematoma particles, fat emboli, as well as atherosclerotic plaques, patients initially do not observe any changes. And only with a significant clogging of the vessel, symptoms of this pathology are seen. With rapid blockage of the vessel, the patient instantly experiences impairment, which in the future can lead to tissue necrosis, cut off the leg or death.

Clinical indicators

Thromboembolism, where the artery (femoral) is significantly clogged, is characterized by a gradual increase in pain in the leg - this is particularly noticeable when walking or various physical exertion. This condition is associated with an inconspicuous decrease in the vessel, as well as a decrease in the blood supply of the leg, the loss of its muscle mass. Along with this, to improve blood circulation, a collateral vessel begins to unfold. This usually happens below the area where the thrombus itself originated.

When examining the foot, the pallor of her skin is noted, the temperature is lowered (she feels cool to the touch). The sensitivity of the affected part of the body, where the artery flows (femoral) decreases. Depending on the formation of the anomaly, the pulsation of the vessels can either be audibly observed or not heard at all.

Diagnostics

It is carried out at use of tool ways. Rheography and oscillography are used for this. However, arteriography is considered the most informative technique of instrumental diagnosis, which makes it possible to clearly determine the location of the thrombus, and also the degree of occlusion of the vessel. The direction for such a survey is given when you find during the examination of such signs: reddened or pale skin of the foot, lack of sensitivity, pain during a period of calm. We also recommend a visit to a vascular surgeon who will consult about what a femoral artery is, and what consequences can be expected from thrombosis.

Treatment

In the treatment of thromboembolism, medications are used, and surgery is also performed. When medication is prescribed anticoagulants, drugs with thrombolytic and antispastic action. In surgical intervention, methods of vascular plasty, embobectomy and thrombectomy are used.

Occlusion of the femoral artery

Strong occlusions of the arteries are a sharp violation of the blood circulation of the distal artery by a thrombus or embolus. The condition is considered extremely dangerous. As a result of occlusion in the aorta, the natural outflow of blood is disturbed, which leads to an additional formation of clots. The process can cover collaterals, a thrombus can spread even to the venous system. The condition is reversible for 3-6 hours from the moment of its appearance. At the end of this period, deep ischemia leads in the future to irreparable necrotic changes.