Left or right femoral vein entry ?

[localad]

Femoral vein (groin area) entry for an ablation catheter sounds from comments that it's usually the right leg. Just wondering if left leg entry is just to suit the operator who might be left handed ?

[CDreamer]

No it’s dictated by the physiology so needs to be right groin, into right atria, punch hole through the septum into left atria to treat AF which usually originates from pulmonary veins.

[BobD Volunteer]

All viens lead to the right side of the heart so in theory there is no difference where they go in but right side is slighty shorter route. There are occasions when they go in both sides.

[pd63]

I had varicose vein removal surgery in 2009 including a vein in my right groin, so if I ever go for ablation, not had episode since PAF diagnosis in May 20, they'll need to go in the left side.FYI, NHS no longer carry out the operation as it's classed as cosmetic, hope the things don't return

[LordGabriel]

They went in both sides with my Ablation .

[Jetcat in reply to LordGabriel]

Yes they did with me too. I thought both sides was the norm.!!! Obviously not.

[splashrollandplod]

Both sides with me too

[localad in reply to splashrollandplod]

I think it must depend on how much equipment they have to push up the catheter. There can be quite a few probes and sensors, depending on the procedure.

[splashrollandplod]

They told me I had 3 up one leg and one up the other - a bit like avatar?