General

Synonym/Acronym:
Carotid Doppler, carotid ultrasound, arterial ultrasound, cerebrovascular ultrasound.

Rationale
To visualize and assess blood flow through the carotid arteries toward evaluating risk for stroke related to atherosclerosis.

Patient Preparation
There are no food or medication restrictions unless by medical direction. Some protocols may require the patient to restrict nicotine and caffeine for 1 to 2 hr before the procedure in order to avoid vasoconstriction or vasodilation.

Normal Findings

• Normal blood flow through the carotid arteries with no evidence of occlusion or narrowing.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A