A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive, safe and painless procedure which uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the structure and function of the carotid arteries in the neck.
Two common carotid arteries are located one on each side of the neck. They each divide into an internal and external carotid artery. The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the brain whilst the external carotid arteries supply blood to the face, scalp and neck.
Why is a Carotid Ultrasound performed?
- To evaluate the carotid arteries for narrowing or stenosis.When there are medical conditions e g.
- High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, family history of stroke or heart disease thus increasing the risk of a stroke.Recent transient ischemic attack(TIA) or strokeAbnormal sound in carotid arteries(bruit)
- To evaluate the structure and function of the artery after surgery to remove plague
- To evaluate the placement and treatment affect of a stent( a mesh tube used to improve blood flow through a artery by mechanically decreasing the narrowing
- To screen for a blood clot which may block or reduce blood flow to the brain
- To detect other abnormalities in the structure of a carotid artery which may disrupt blood flow
Preparation prior to the Carotid Ultrasound
- Wear a comfortable shirt with no collar or an open collar
- Dont wear a necklace or hanging earrings
Equipment
The ultrasound machine comprises a console, computer and electronics, a display screen and a transducer. The transducer is a small handheld device which is attached to the scanner by means of a cord. The transducer sends out high-frequency sound waves into the blood vessels. A computer translates the echoed sound waves into a live-action image on a monitor.
In Doppler ultrasound, the information about the rate of blood flow is translated into a graph which is displayed on the screen. Gel is applied to the skin to eliminate the air between the transducer and the skin thus allowing the sound waves to travel back and forth from the transducer more easily.
What happens during a Carotid Ultrasound
- A carotid ultrasound takes about 30 minutes to complete.
- You will be asked to lie down on an examination bed for the procedure.
- The position of your head will be gently adjusted to optimize access to the carotid artery.Gel will be applied to the skin of the area to be examined.
- The gel eliminates the air pockets between the skin and the transducer.
- The transducer is pressed firmly onto the skin and moved around so as to visualize the arteries and the surrounding tissues.
- You may have to move or tilt your head to optimize the imaging.
- On completion of the procedure, the gel will be wiped off and asked to wait in the waiting rooms
Results
The results will be given to you to take to your referring doctor
A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive, safe and painless procedure which uses high-frequency sound waves to examine the structure and function of the carotid arteries in the neck.
Two common carotid arteries are located one on each side of the neck. They each divide into an internal and external carotid artery. The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the brain whilst the external carotid arteries supply blood to the face, scalp and neck.
