Hygiene

The carotid artery supplies blood directly to the brain. When problems are suspected with this blood flow, a carotid ultrasound is used to create pictures of the inside of your arteries. This is also referred to as a carotid duplex.

An ultrasound is painless. Images are created using high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound machines consist of a screen, computer, and transducer. The transducer sends and receives the sound waves and transmits the images to the screen. It is a handheld device that can be directed over different areas of the body. The sound waves are harmless and painless and are the same waves used on pregnant women to record pictures of the babies in the womb.

When used to image the carotid arteries, a Doppler ultrasound can also be performed at the same time to show how well the blood is moving through the arteries. The carotid ultrasound detects plaque buildup that is causing any narrowing of the artery and restricting blood flow to the brain. The results will be used to develop an appropriate treatment plan for plaque removal to prevent a possible stroke.

The carotid ultrasound is typically performed in the doctor’s office but can also be done in the hospital. While lying down, a gel is placed on the neck to help the sound waves transmit easier. The technician moves the transducer around on the neck to create the images from inside.

We are equipped at Stanislaus Cardiology to perform carotid ultrasounds.