Accuracy of Transcutaneous Doppler Ultrasonics in Evaluating Extracranial Vascular Disease

Abstract

T HE ultrasonic transcutaneous Doppler technique has been suggested as a safe method for determining extracranial carotid blood flow? -7,9,11-13 Application of this technique to occlusive extracranial carotid disease has been reported5 ,8 Arteriography has been the most helpful method used so far to verify the Doppler's effectiveness in diagnosing carotid artery disease. Since the Doppler primarily measures blood velocity, more direct determinations of blood flow would be valuable to check the Doppler's performance. The present study uses intraoperative electromagnetic flow determinations, direct carotid pressure recordings, occlusive carotid clamps (Selverstone), and arch arteriography in an effort to evaluate the effectiveness of the transcutaneous Doppler technique in determining carotid blood flow.