Carotid duplex ultrasound, also known as carotid artery Doppler sonography, is a painless test to diagnose any blockages in the carotid arteries located along both sides of your neck. This scan uses two types of ultrasound to provide an accurate picture of the blood vessels as well as show how blood is flowing through them.
When is Carotid Duplex Ultrasound Needed?
There are many reasons why your healthcare specialist will recommend carotid duplex ultrasound but one of the most common reasons is because the specialist thinks that you may have a blockage in your carotid arteries. It is also possible that your healthcare specialist requests for you to undergo this scan because he or she has heard an abnormal sound in an artery, have risk factors for stroke and more. For those who will be undergoing major heart surgery such a bypass surgery, a carotid duplex ultrasound test will often be used to understand how well your blood is flowing.
The Carotid Duplex Ultrasound Procedure
Taking approximately 15 to 30 minutes, this test can either be conducted with you sitting on a chair or lying on an examination table. The vascular technologist will apply gel to your neck area, and a transducer will be placed on each side of your neck. Although you can feel mild pressure from the transducers, there will not be any discomfort or pain felt. Ultrasound images can be seen on a monitor and the technologist will view and record these images.
Northern Neurology Specialties, Dr. Jill Bressler –Carotid Duplex Ultrasound
At our neurology practice, we have been doing carotid duplex ultrasound procedures for our patients in the Tri-State area for many years and often schedule patients referred to us from colleague physicians. Our staff members are caring and will make sure you feel comfortable during the procedure. Call us at 1-516-364-4484 or visit us today to learn more about the carotid duplex ultrasound scan.