Short-term femoral vein catheterization. A safe alternative venous access?

Results of femoral vein catheterization were compared with those of subclavian and antecubital vein catheterization in 2,345 combat casualties during treatment of hypovolemic shock. Femoral vein catheterization was successful in 95.5 per cent of cases. Accidental arterial puncture occurred in 6.3 per cent, hematomas in 1.3 per cent, and infection in 1.4 per cent. Subclavian vein catheterization was successful in 92.4 per cent. Arterial puncture occurred in 0.4 per cent, hematomas in 0.3 per cent, infection in 1.1 per cent, pneumothorax in 1.4 per cent, and hydrothorax in 0.4 per cent. Antecubital vein catheterization was successful in 77.6 per cent, infection developed in 3.3 per cent, and phlebitis occurred in 5.6 per cent. No clinically detectable phlebitis occurred after either femoral or subclavian vein catheterization. The low morbidity of femoral vein catheterization in this series suggests that this approach be considered when short-term massive intravenous fluid administration is indicated in the treatment of circulatory collapse or cardiac arrest.