Femoral neuropathy following cardiac catheterization for balloon mitral valvotomy

Femoral neuropathy is a very rare complication of cardiac catheterization. We report an adult female who developed femoral neuropathy after undergoing cardiac catheterization through femoral vein for balloon mitral valvotomy. Neuropathy was confirmed by electromyography and nerve conduction studies and the patient showed spontaneous recovery over a course of 6 months. Use of prolonged digital pressure for post-procedural hemostasis is implicated as possible etiology. Such complications can be prevented by minimising the procedural time, avoiding injury to the vessels and maintaining optimal posture of patient’s thigh by limiting abduction and external rotation of hip.