Carotid duplex

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery

Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery

Carotid duplex

Definition:

Carotid duplex is a procedure that uses ultrasound to look for plaques, blood clots, or other blood flow problems in the carotid arteries. The carotid arteries, located in the neck, supply blood to the brain.

Alternative Names:

Scan - carotid duplex; Carotid ultrasound

How the test is performed:

The test is done in the peripheral vascular lab or radiology department of a hospital. You are placed on your back and your head will be supported to prevent movement.

A water-soluble gel is placed on your skin. A handheld device called a transducer is placed on the area. The transducer directs high-frequency sound waves to the arteries being tested, while the gel helps transmit the sound. The ultrasound is turned on and images of the carotid arteries and pulse wave forms are obtained.

How to prepare for the test:

No preparation is necessary.

How the test will feel:

The test is noninvasive and painless.

Why the test is performed:

The test checks blood flow in the carotid arteries. It can detect narrowing and hardening in the arteries (stenosis), clotting (thrombosis), and other causes of blockage in the carotid arteries.

Review Date: 7/21/2004
Reviewed By: Jeffrey J. Brown, MD, FACR, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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