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Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery
Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the left artery
Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery
Carotid stenosis, X-ray of the right artery
Carotid duplex
Carotid duplex

Carotid duplex
Definition:

Carotid duplex is a procedure that uses ultrasound to look for plaques, blood clots, or other problems with blood flow in the carotid artery walls and their lumen (interior). 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 the skin where the transducer (a handheld device that directs the high-frequency sound waves to the arteries being tested) is to be placed. The gel helps transmit the sound to the skin surface. The ultrasound is turned on and images of the carotid arteries and pulse wave forms are obtained.
How to prepare for the test:

Adults:

No special preparation is necessary.

Infants and children:

The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
The test is noninvasive and painless.
Why the test is performed:

The test assesses blood flow and is used to detect the conditions involving stenosis (narrowing and hardening), thrombosis (clotting), and other causes of obstruction in the carotid arteries.
Normal Values:
The artery is free of any obstructions, stenosis, or thrombosis, and there is no flow abnormality. There is no turbulence or disruption in the arterial blood flow.
What abnormal results mean:
There is a disturbance of the blood flow in the artery related to stenotic, obstructive, or thrombotic diseases (for example, atherosclerosis).
What the risks are:
There are no specific risks related to this procedure.
Review Date: 11/9/2002
Reviewed By: Benjamin Taragin, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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