Carotid Artery Disease Tests & Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital
Tests for Carotid Artery Disease
You may not be aware that you have carotid artery disease. Your doctor will give you a preliminary exam to determine if you need tests that show the condition of your carotid artery.
There are several tests available, depending on your circumstances.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses a wand that emits high-frequency sound waves to painlessly show how well blood is flowing through the carotid artery.
CT Scan
Computerized tomography (CT) scans take X-ray pictures that appear as slices of the carotid artery and of the brain. The pictures allow your doctor to identify areas of poor blood flow.
CT Angiography
A CT angiography (CTA) is a CT scan that includes X-ray dye that your doctor injects to make the blood vessels stand out for viewing.
Carotid Artery Disease Treatments
Angioplasty and Stenting
Your doctor may be able to clear your carotid artery with a minimally invasive procedure, using angioplasty and a process called stenting. A very thin, flexible tube called a catheter that carries a small balloon is threaded to your artery. The balloon opens and closes, flattening the plaque against the artery walls. Your doctor then inserts a wire mesh tube called a stent into the artery. The stent keeps the artery open and allows the blood to flow freely.
Endarterectomy
If the blockage in your artery is severe, you may need surgery to clean out the plaque that is causing the problem. Your surgeon will:
- Make an incision
- Find the blockage
- Place a tube called a shunt to redirect the blood flow
- Remove the plaque with a special tool
Once the artery is clean, the surgeon removes the shunt and closes the incision.