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Carotid Duplex

The large vessels of the neck, the carotid, vertebral and subclavian arteries are studied using duplex, color flow and power imaging ultrasound. These techniques allow visualization of the vessel walls and analysis of the blood flow within the arteries. The location and degree of vessel narrowing as well as plaque characterization, can be determined. This information facilitates decisions regarding medical versus surgical management. Appropriate subroutines can be performed when indicated to determine subclavian steal syndrome.

Duplex examination of the extracranial cerebral arteries yields findings of stenosis, occlusion, dissection, fibromuscular dysplasis, dolioectasis, aneurysm, carotid body tumors, kinking and subclavian steal syndrome.

Duplex and color Doppler imaging of the carotid arteries. Arteriogram showing severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. Ultrasound image of a severe stenosis of the ICA Increased flow velocities at the site of the ICA stenosis.