Vascular
Ultrasound
Carotid Ultrasound
An ultrasound of the carotid artery is a painless, noninvasive test which uses ultrasound to image the great vessels of the head and neck. It also uses Doppler technology to measure the speed and direction of blood flow through the arteries. This test provides information that will help your cardiologist determine if there are any blockages or narrowing of the arteries obstructing the blood flow to the brain through the carotid arteries. A significant number of strokes are caused by blockages and narrowing of the carotid arteries.
PREPARATION: none
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE TEST: The test is done by a technologist with extensive training in vascular ultrasound. During the test, the patient lies down comfortably on an exam table. The technologist will move a small hand held device (transducer) over your neck to produce the images. Carotid ultrasounds typically take around 30 minutes once the test is begun.
TEST COMPLICATIONS:
There are no known ill effects from the use of ultrasound for medical diagnosis.
TEST RESULTS: The results will be interpreted by our cardiologists, and your physician will be sent the test results within 24 hours.
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