Atherosclerotic carotid stenosis and occlusion

Abstract

Ultrasonic techniques can determine both the presence and degree of atherosclerotic lesions around the internal carotid artery bifurcation with a high degree of accuracy. Carried out by experienced sonographers, who are aware of the relevant limitations and the most common pitfalls, noninvasive ultrasound can serve as a screening tool, supply the vascular surgeon or interventionalist with sufficient information for determining treatment, and is an optimal tool for follow-up examinations. In this context, it will be of importance that ultrasound also facilitates the delineation of blood flow in a stented internal carotid artery. This will open up the possibility of using ultrasound to detect restenosis after endovascular treatment.