Vascular Ultrasound

Carotid Ultrasound is the most accurate test available for screening patients for carotid artery disease. Atherosclerotic plaque (hardening of the arteries) contained in the carotid artery in the neck, can break up into many particles. The force of blood then sends these particles of plaque up to the brain. These particles lodge in smaller vessels within the brain, shutting off blood flow to the brain tissue. This is thought to be the major cause of strokes.

Carotid ultrasound uses technology, to accurately image and record the appearance and the amount of blockage within the carotid arteries. This is critical information both for the patient and the patient’s physician. The type and amount of blockage directly correlates with a patients risk of stroke. This information can then be used to determine which patients should, or should not undergo carotid endarterectomy, a proven stroke prevention surgery.

During an Upper and lower extremity venous ultrasound, veins will be assessed for compressibility, spontaneity,  phasicity, and for the presence/absence of augmentation. 

During an Upper and lower extremity arterial duplex exams, physiological assessment of the extremities will be obtained prior to the duplex exam (ABI’s, and segmental pressures). The duplex arterial exam consists of 2-D arterial imaging and color/spectral flow analysis. If arterial lumen narrowing is found, the percent stenosis will be characterized.