Carotid Ultrasound Imaging |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ultrasound imaging utilizes high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use x-rays. Ultrasound images show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. Also, ultrasound imaging is a painless medical test. An ultrasound of the carotid arteries, which are located on each side of the neck and carry blood from the heart to the brain, provide detailed pictures of these blood vessels. A Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel.
The carotid ultrasound is most frequently performed to detect narrowing or stenosis of the carotid artery, the condition that substantially increases the risk of stroke. Risk factors for carotid artery disease include: hypertension, carotid bruit, advanced age, diabetes, high cholesterol and the family history of stroke or heart disease. Doppler ultrasound images are used to see blockages to blood flow or narrowing of vessels.
You should wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing for your carotid ultrasound. An open neck shirt or blouse is ideal. No other preparation is required.
Ultrasound scanners consists of a console containing a computer and a video display screen. A transducer is used to scan the body. The transducer sends out a high frequency soundwaves and then listens for returning soundwaves or echoes.
Ultrasound imaging is based on the same principles involved in the sonar used by bats and ships. When a soundwave strikes an object, it bounces backward, or echoes. In an ultrasound examination, a transducer both sends the sound waves and records the echoing waves. When the transducer is pressed against the skin, it directs a stream of inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body. As the sound waves bounce off the internal organs, fluids and tissues, the sensitive microphone in the transducer records tiny changes in the sounds pitch and direction. These live images are recorded digitally and displayed on the video monitor. Doppler ultrasound, a special application of ultrasound, measures the direction and speed of blood cells as they move through vessels.
For most ultrasound exams, the patient is position lying face up on an examination table that can be tilted. A clear gel is applied to the area of the body been studied to help the transducer make secure contact with the body and eliminate air pockets between the transducer and the skin. The ultrasound examination is usually completed in 45 minutes by the ultrasound technologist or sonographer.
The ultrasound examination is painless, fast and easy. When the Doppler ultrasound study is performed, you will actually hear pulselike sounds that change in pitches as the blood flow is monitored and measured. After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume you normal activities.
A certified sonographer and a physician specifically trained to interpret carotid ultrasound examinations will analyze the images and send a sign report to your primary care or referring physician.
Benefits: ultrasound scanning is noninvasive and painless; ultrasound imaging uses no x-rays; ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues;ultra sound causes no health problems and may be repeated as often as necessary Risks: For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects on humans.
Calcium deposits in the wall of the carotid artery may make it difficult to evaluate the vessel. Carotid ultrasound may be difficult if the patient has a dressing covering the wound or surgical scar in the neck. An occasional patient is difficult to examine because of the size or contour of the neck.
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