WHAT IS A CAROTID ARTERY DUPLEX SCAN?
The test checks blood flow in the carotid arteries. It can detect narrowing and hardening in the arteries (stenosis), clotting (thrombosis), and other causes of blockage in the carotid arteries.

WHAT DOES THE SCAN SHOW?
A carotid artery duplex scan is used to assess occlusion (blockage) or stenosis (narrowing) of the carotid arteries of the neck and/or the branches of the carotid artery. Plaque (a build up of fatty materials), thrombus (blood clot), and other substances in the blood stream may cause a disturbance in the blood flow through the carotid arteries. When the carotid arteries become blocked, symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, headache, and/or a brief loss of ability to speak or move. These symptoms may indicate early warning signs of a possible stroke (brain attack, or cerebrovascular accident [CVA]).
A carotid artery duplex scan may also be performed when no symptoms of occlusion are present, yet an abnormal blood flow sound called a bruit (pronounced "BROO-ee") is heard with a stethoscope over the artery. This may indicate a possible condition of abnormal blood flow in the artery.
Additional reasons for the procedure include, but are not limited to, the following:
-Evaluation of previous procedures to restore blood flow to the area (such as an angioplasty to open up an artery that was blocked or surgery to bypass a blocked artery)
-Evaluation of carotid blood flow prior to a major cardiovascular surgical procedure, such as coronary artery bypass grafting or heart valve repair/replacement
-There may be other reasons for your physician to recommend a carotid artery duplex scan.

HOW IS IT DONE?
Generally, a carotid artery duplex scan follows this process. You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the scan. If you are asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear. You will lie on an examination table with your neck slightly extended (bent backward). A clear gel will be placed on the skin at various locations on the carotid arteries. The Doppler transducer will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area of the artery being studied. When blood flow is detected, you will hear a "whoosh, whoosh" sound. The probe will be moved around to compare blood flow in different areas of the artery. Both sides of the neck will be examined. Once the procedure has been completed, the gel will be wiped off. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort.