Carotid

CHICAGO CARDIOLOGY INSTITUTE

"The premier center for the treatment of Cardiovascular and Peripheral Vascular disease"

New Peripheral
Intervention
Center

Carotid Ultrasound

Carotid ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that is done in our office and can be done

in less than 30 to 45 minutes. Our certified technicians will use an ultrsound machine that uses

sound waves to examine the structure and function of the carotid arteries in your neck. This

test will help us determine if the blood is flowing through arteries appropriately and if there are

any blockages.

The ultra sound study is performed by placing a small device called a transducer against the

skin on the area to be examined. In order to get a better ultrasound picture, a gel is applied to

the skin where the transducer will be placed. This requires the area to be exposed for the

exam. We understand your desire for modesty and we will do our best to make sure the exam

is performed in a way to provide the most privacy possible. After the required images are

completed, the gel will be removed and the study completed.

Definition

The carotid arteries are the main vessels which carry freshly

oxygenated blood from your heart to your brain. You have one

on each side of your neck. These arteries can become

clogged by fatty build ups called plaque which can reduce the

blood flow to the brain. If this flow is reduced too much it can

effect the normal functioning of the brain. Some times this

plaque build up can break lose and travel to your brain

causing a stroke.

Your Doctor may require a Carotid Ultrasound to see if there

are any abnormalities present and which treatment options

may be necessary.

Treatment Options

Treatment options can include medications or if severe enough, possible interventions. If an intervention is required, we

use a minimally invasive non-surgical approach which provides our patients with substantially lower cost procedures,

significantly less risks, quicker recover times and less patient discomfort.

Your treatment options will be thoroughly explained to you by your Doctor.

You can take the following steps to prepare for your appointment:

• Call the day before the exam to confirm the time and location of the exam.

• Wear a comfortable shirt with no collar or an open collar.

• Don't wear a necklace or dangling earrings.

Special Note: If you are having other studies performed during your visit, please follow the guidelines for those studies.

Unless your doctor provides any additional instructions, this is all you should need to do.

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