Red Oak Cardiovascular Center

CAROTID DUPLEX IMAGING

Carotid Doppler Imaging is also called Carotid Doppler Ultrasound. What is ultrasound? It is a modern medical diagnostic procedure that uses soundwaves. Ultrasound is an excellent method of seeing what's going on inside of the body. This is a noninvasive test (involves no radiation, no needles, and no pain). This test is used to evaluate the carotid arteries. Carotid arteries are located on both sides of the neck and supplies the blood to the head and brain.

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Purpose:

• To diagnose the carotid artery plaque
• To monitor patients who have had arterial reconstruction and bypass
• To detect abnormalities of carotid artery blood flow
• To evaluate possible arterial trauma

How it Works:
A small transducer will be held against your neck and emit harmless sound waves; these waves bounce off the arteries and back to the transducer. The transducer sends this data to a computer which translates the information to a monitor. From the monitor the image is stored on a video tape, or a computer print out. These images are used to see the structures and blood flow of the vessels. A doppler ultrasound is used in the same way by bouncing sound waves off the blood vessels to view blood flow pattern.

Procedure:
You will be asked to lie on a table without a pillow and to keep your neck straight. A conductive gel is placed over the carotid vessels to improve the transmission of soundwaves. A hand held transducer is passed over the neck skin overlying the blood vessels. The transducer sends out and receives sound waves. The patient must lie very still during the procedure.

Symptoms or Finding:
Indications like severe headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, family history of stroke, numbness, weakness of extremities or any other symptoms that may suggest stroke or ongoingstroke.

What We Can Diagnoseby Carotid Duplex Imaging:
Any blockage in the vessels(common carotid artery internal, external and vertebral arteries) that supply blood to the head and brain.

General Information:
Carotid Duplex Imaging also called carotid doppler ultrasound is quicker, safer, painless, and less expensive then an arteriogram. Carotid Duplex Imaging is 95% accurate in detecting massive blockages.

Who Does The CarotidUltrasound?
Ultrasound personnel include physicians with specialized knowledge in reading ultrasound images and sonographers, highly trained licensed experts in the use of ultrasound technology.

Time:
The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Results:
They are sent to your doctor.

Preparation:
No preparation is necessary.

Ultrasound is Considered Safe

Experts who have studied the diagnostic use of ultrasound for many years have judged it to be a safe procedure.

• Ultrasound doesn't involve the use of X-rays.
• It does provide information without the risks of surgery.

Any Questions?

Just ask your physician or other members of the health care team.