UBNS provides in-house Carotid Doppler testing for vascular disease to save our patients the inconvenience of having to travel elsewhere for their imaging studies.  Carotid Doppler is a safe, painless, and noninvasive ultrasound test used to monitor blood flow from the carotid arteries to the brain. Doppler images help physicians determine whether blood flow to the brain has been compromised by narrowed blood vessels due to plaque buildup.  Evidence of extensive carotid narrowing may lead to a diagnosis of carotid artery disease (CAD)—a major risk factor for stroke.

Stroke, the third leading cause of death in the United States, occurs as a result of CAD when blood clots or dislodged plaque block the narrowed carotid artery, thereby interrupting blood flow to the brain.  Carotid Doppler can detect CAD before a stroke occurs to determine if measures should be taken to prevent future stroke. If indicated, patients may undergo a minimally invasive carotid stenting procedure to widen the blocked artery and capture any dislodged plaque.