NAVEL — Femoral triangle (lateral to medial)
Anatomy at the femoral triangle for fem block + femoral artery line
Mnemonic device
NAVEL — Lateral to medial: Nerve, Artery, Vein, Empty space, Lymphatics
Mapping
N — Femoral nerve
Most lateral — target for fem block; deep to fascia iliaca
A — Femoral artery
Pulsatile landmark; central line target
V — Femoral vein
Medial to artery; venous access target
E — Empty space (femoral canal)
Loose connective tissue; site of femoral hernia
L — Lymphatics
Most medial; deep inguinal nodes
Clinical note: For fem block: probe transverse, identify artery; nerve sits LATERAL and slightly POSTERIOR to artery in the iliopsoas groove. Inject below fascia iliaca for full fem nerve coverage. Watch for vascular puncture.