![]() ![]() The health care provider who ordered the test will explain to you what the carotid ultrasound revealed and what that means for you. The radiologist also may discuss the results of the test with you immediately after the procedure. This may be your health care provider, a doctor trained in heart and blood vessel conditions, called a cardiologist, or a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions, called a neurologist. ResultsĪ doctor who specializes in imaging tests, called a radiologist, will review your test results, then prepare a report for the health care provider who ordered the test. If you do, tell the ultrasound technician. You shouldn't feel any discomfort during the procedure. The technician then gently presses the transducer against the side of your neck. The gel helps transmit the ultrasound waves back and forth. The ultrasound technician will apply a warm gel to your skin above the site of each carotid artery. The ultrasound technician may position your head to better access the side of your neck. You'll likely lie on your back during the ultrasound. There have been vast technological advances in carotid ultrasounds, improving the quality and resolution of the images.Ī carotid ultrasound usually takes about 30 minutes. In a Doppler ultrasound, the rate of blood flow is translated into a graph. The ultrasound technician may use a Doppler ultrasound, which shows blood flowing through the arteries. The transducer emits sound waves and records the echo as the waves bounce off tissues, organs and blood cells.Ī computer translates the echoed sound waves into a live-action image on a monitor. What you can expect How it worksĪ technician called a sonographer conducts the test with a small, hand-held device called a transducer. ![]() Unless your health care provider or the radiology lab provides special instructions, you shouldn't need to make any other preparations. Don't wear a necklace or dangling earrings.Wear a comfortable shirt with no collar or an open collar.Call the day before the exam to confirm the time and location of the exam.You can take the following steps to prepare for your appointment: Construct a 3D model of the carotid artery to improve the accuracy of a diagnosis.Monitor carotid artery blood flow during aortic heart valve surgery to assess the risk of a stroke.Predict coronary artery disease by measuring the thickness of the carotid artery and evaluating the characteristics of a plaque.Detect other carotid artery problems that may disrupt blood flow.Locate a collection of clotted blood, also called a hematoma, that may prevent blood flow.Evaluate the placement and effectiveness of a stent, a mesh tube used to improve blood flow through an artery.The procedure to remove plaques is called carotid endarterectomy. Evaluate blood flow through the artery after surgery to remove plaques.Your doctor may order a carotid ultrasound to: Unusual sound in the carotid arteries (bruit) detected using a stethoscope.Recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke.Family history of stroke or heart disease.Your provider also may recommend a carotid ultrasound if you have a medical condition that increases the risk of a stroke, including: Your health care provider orders a carotid ultrasound if you have a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, or other types of strokes. Early diagnosis and treatment of a narrowed carotid artery can decrease stroke risk. It can occur in the carotid artery of the neck as well as other arteries.Ī carotid ultrasound is done to look for for narrowed carotid arteries, which increase the risk of stroke.Ĭarotid arteries are usually narrowed by a buildup of plaque - made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances that circulate in the bloodstream. A blood clot often forms in arteries damaged by a buildup of plaques, known as atherosclerosis. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot, known as a thrombus, blocks or plugs an artery leading to the brain. ![]()
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