Your doctor has recommended that you receive a test called a Carotid Ultrasound
(Doppler).
Carotid Ultrasound (Carotid Doppler) is a simple, painless way of
assessing blood flow through your carotid arteries.
Atherosclerotic vascular disease (hardening of the arteries)
continues to be of major concern to physicians in their treatment of aging patients. This
is a progressive disease caused by a slow build-up of cholesterol deposits (Plaque) within
the arteries. The deposits of plaque that form on the artery walls can cause a significant
decrease of blood flow to muscles and vital organs. When this condition is present in the
Carotid Arteries, there is a much higher risk of stroke. This is a treatable and
surgically correctable condition.
The Carotid Arteries are the major blood vessels supplying the
head and brain with the necessary blood flow to deliver oxygen. They branch off of the
aorta (the main artery leaving the heart) and with some variation between the right and
left side of the body, travel up the throat, one on each side of the windpipe (right and
left common carotid arteries). At about the jawbone, there is another branching into the
external and internal carotid arteries. The external carotid supplies blood to the face,
scalp and other external head tissues. The internal carotid supplies blood to the brain.
It is at this branching that most plaque build-up occurs and therefore, most blockages are
found. The major concern is for the blood flow through the internal carotid arteries as
they supply the brain.
How the Carotid Ultrasound Exam is
done.
You will be asked to lie flat on your back (some adjustments can
be made for those who require a pillow for support).
A clear gel is applied to your neck and a transducer is gently
placed to one side of the windpipe.
The transducer is manipulated up and down the length of the neck
to record the entire length of the carotid artery and blood flow measurements are
recorded.
The process is then repeated on the other side of the neck.
Generally, one hour is allotted for the exam (from entering the
clinic to leaving).
Preparation for the exam:
In general, there is no preparation for the exam.
You will be asked to remove any jewelry from around the neck.
It is advised that you wear a loose fitting, open necked shirt or blouse.
The Carotid Ultrasound study is a safe, simple and cost
effective method of assessing blood flow through the carotid arteries and determining
significant restriction of blood flow. During this part of the exam, the carotid arteries
are seen and pictures are recorded detailing the condition of the arteries and show any
plaque deposits that may interfere with normal blood circulation. Color Doppler and Pulsed
Wave Doppler are methods the examiner uses to measure blood flow velocities recording any
areas of restriction.
Click here
to see an example of the study.
We hope this brief introduction to Carotid
Ultrasound has provided you with a better understanding of this simple, yet valuable test.
The Carotid Ultrasound continues to provide reliable and important information in the
detection of the blockages in the carotid arteries (the arteries that deliver blood and
oxygen to the brain). Like many other diagnostic tests, the Carotid Ultrasound has
undergone many refinements. Since the development of powerful computers, its accuracy has
improved immensely.
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