Carotid Artery Duplex

A Carotid Artery Duplex exam is an ultrasound procedure that uses sound waves to produce images of the arteries in your neck and measure the volume of blood as it passes through them. A vascular technologist will apply a gel (similar to lotion) to your neck, then will press a hand-held sensor (transducer or probe) against your skin, moving it along the right and left sides of your neck. The whooshing sound that you may hear is your blood moving through your carotid arteries. This is completely normal. The exam is painless and harmless.

Measurements of the arteries and the volume of blood passing through them will reveal any blockages or narrowing of the arteries.

Your referring physician will recieve a report with your test results. He or she will discuss the findings with you and review treatment options.