Carotid Ultrasonography

Carotid Ultrasound is the ultrasound imaging of the carotid arteries that carry blood pumped by the heart to the brain.  Disease in the carotid arteries often results in neurologic symptoms including cerebrovascular accident (CVA) -- commonly known as a stroke.  Since surgery (and in some cases, carotid stenting) is highly effective at decreasing the risk of stroke in patients with carotid artery disease, the carotid arteries are carefully evaluated by physical examination by all Bay Area Heart Center cardiologists.   When examination findings or symptoms suggest the presence of carotid artery disease, a carotid ultrasound is performed as an out-patient, office procedure at the Heart Center.  Further evaluation, such as angiography, is based on the results of the non-invasive ultrasound study.  In cases of severe carotid artery disease, surgery by a highly qualified vascular surgeon is recommended.  If surgery is not possible or is too high risk, carotid stenting may be considered.

Dr. David Kohl, Dr. Solomon Fishman, Dr. John Finn, and Dr. David Mokotoff are trained and skilled in the interpretation of carotid ultrasound studies.