Your doctor has recommended that you receive a test called a Carotid Ultrasound.

Carotid Ultrasound is a simple, painless way of assessing blood flow through your carotid arteries. Atherosclerotic vascular disease (hardening of the arteries) continues to be of major concern to physicians in their treatment of aging patients. This is a progressive disease caused by a slow build-up of cholesterol deposits (Plaque) within the arteries. The deposits of plaque that form on the artery walls can cause a significant decrease of blood flow to muscles and vital organs. When this condition is present in the Carotid Arteries, there is a much higher risk of stroke. This is a treatable and surgically correctable condition.

The Carotid Arteries are the major blood vessels supplying the head and brain with the necessary blood flow to deliver oxygen. They branch off of the aorta (the main artery leaving the heart) and with some variation between the right and left side of the body, travel up the throat, one on each side of the windpipe (right and left common carotid arteries). At about the jawbone, there is another branching into the external and internal carotid arteries. The external carotid supplies blood to the face, scalp and other external head tissues. The internal carotid supplies blood to the brain. It is at this branching that most plaque build-up occurs and therefore, most blockages are found. The major concern is for the blood flow through the internal carotid arteries as they supply the brain.

What is the test?

Ultrasound is a painless way to show the amount of blood flow in the carotid arteries inside your neck. Ultrasound uses sound waves and a type of sonar detection system to generate a black and white picture. This picture allows your doctor to see if there is narrowing of your carotid arteries, which is usually caused by cholesterol deposits. Narrowed carotid arteries are one cause of strokes, so this test is often used to evaluate patients who have had a stroke or who might be at a high risk for strokes.

What happens when the test is performed?

A Technologist will first squirt some clear jell onto one side of your neck to help the ultrasound sensor slide around easily and then will place the sensor against your skin in this jell. The sensor looks like a microphone. When the sensor is in place, a picture will appear on a video screen, and the Technologist will move the sensor back and forth on your neck to see the arteries inside from different views. During the test, the machine will make a noise that sounds like your heartbeat — this shows that it is measuring the blood flow through the artery. The other side of your neck will be checked in the same way. This test usually requires between 30 and 60 minutes.

How the Carotid Ultrasound Exam is Done

You will be asked to lie flat on your back (some adjustments can be made for those who require a pillow for support). A clear gel is applied to your neck and a transducer is gently placed to one side of the windpipe.
The transducer is manipulated up and down the length of the neck to record the entire length of the carotid artery and blood flow measurements are recorded. The process is then repeated on the other side of the neck. Generally, one hour is allotted for the exam (from entering the clinic to leaving).

Preparation for the Exam

In general, there is no preparation for the exam. You will be asked to remove any jewelry from around the neck. It is advised that you wear a loose fitting, open necked shirt or blouse.

The Carotid Ultrasound study is a safe, simple and cost effective method of assessing blood flow through the carotid arteries and determining significant restriction of blood flow. During this part of the exam, the carotid arteries are seen and pictures are recorded detailing the condition of the arteries and show any plaque deposits that may interfere with normal blood circulation. Color Doppler and Pulsed Wave Doppler are methods the examiner uses to measure blood flow velocities recording any areas of restriction.