Carotid artery is the main artery from the heart which supplies the brain via the neck region. An ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure which primarily uses ultrasonic waves to create images of the tissues and the organs of the human body. A duplex vascular sound is a modification or an advanced version of the ultrasound where two transducers are used to create imaging of the human body or organs.
What is the principle of a duplex vascular ultrasound ?
Unlike a normal ultrasound scan, a duplex vascular ultrasound is a dual scan, it uses two transducers, a normal transducer to image the tissues and Doppler one to study the sounds or flow of blood through the blood vessels. The flow of the blood in case of a carotid duplex vascular ultrasound helps in determining the blood flow through the carotid arteries.
When is a carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound advised ?
A carotid artery may occasionally be affected with deposits of plaque or fatty deposits affecting the blood flow to the brain. Sometimes the below mentioned symptoms are considered for advising a carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Nausea and vomiting sensation
- State of confusion
- Sleepiness/ Drowsiness
- Loss of vision either unilateral or bilateral
- Affected speech and movement
A Carotid Artery Duplex Vascular Ultrasound is also advised in cases of suspected or reported blockage in the carotid arteries. The below mentioned pathological conditions may incline towards a Carotid Artery Duplex Vascular Ultrasound.
- Coronary artery disease
- Previous history of heart attacks or heart disease
- Stenosis or narrowing of the carotid artery
- Hematoma in the carotid arteries
- To locate an anatomical defect in the carotid artery
- If you have hypertension and diabetes
When is a carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound less accurate ?
The carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound can be less accurate if you are obese and if you have pre-diagnosed cardiac ailments. It is important that you ask your treating doctor about the risks, benefits, and outcomes of the procedure well in advance.
How do you prepare for a carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound ?
Not much preparation is required for the scan. You will be asked to wear a loose clothing specially something which doesn’t have an attached collar. You will also be asked to remove any jewelry which might interfere with the scan procedure.
What happens during a carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound ?
Once the procedural details are explained to you, you will be asked to lie down on your back on the examination exposing your neck region for examination. The radiologist or the physician will apply a liquid gel to the neck region where the scan must be performed. The transducer (a device which is used to send sound waves to the carotid artery which are then received back and converted to images which are displayed on a connected computer) is moved against your neck region to scan the carotid arteries. In a duplex scan a Doppler transducer is pressed and moved over the carotid arteries to record the movement of blood through the carotid arteries along with imaging them. The benefit of the Doppler ultrasound is that the sound of the flow of blood determines whether there is a blockage in the artery or not. If there is no sound heard during the Doppler ultrasound it is indicative of some abnormality which needs further evaluation. Your radiologist or your physician might advise further investigations or tests depending upon your ultrasonography report.
Who reports a carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound ?
A carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound is reported by a radiologist or a doctor who is trained to perform such advanced scans. The report is made available to you depending upon the hospitals policy for reporting.
What are the risks associated with a carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound ?
A carotid artery duplex vascular ultrasound is a rather safe procedure with no complications associated with it. You might just feel some pressure on the carotid artery when the transduce is used to image the vessels.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
