CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is the primary catheter pathway used during a femoral angiogram?

1. Radial artery

2. Subclavian artery

3. Femoral artery

4. Brachial artery

The correct answer is: Femoral artery

During a femoral angiogram, the primary catheter pathway utilized is through the femoral artery. This choice is based on several key factors related to the anatomy and common practice in angiographic procedures. The femoral artery is a large and easily accessible vessel located in the groin area, making it a preferred entry point for vascular access. This access allows for effective navigation and catheterization to visualize and assess the blood vessels in the lower extremities. The familiarity and direct access to the arterial system provided by the femoral artery facilitate the procedure, enabling healthcare providers to achieve high-quality imaging of potential vascular pathologies. Furthermore, using the femoral artery minimizes the risk of complications that can arise from accessing more distal or challenging arteries, such as the radial or brachial arteries. Although those arteries may be used in other types of angiograms, the femoral artery is specifically favored in this case for its accessibility and efficiency. This makes it the clear choice for performing a femoral angiogram.