Using ultrasound to look at the carotid artery is a way to quickly look for blockages in the blood flow in your arteries that lead to the brain which could cause a mini-stroke or a stroke. Using ultrasound on the abdominal aorta is used to evaluate if there is an aneurysm which causes the aorta to enlarge.

You will be placed on a table that will move and tilt. Clear gel will then be applied to where you are being examined. The gel allows the transducer to move over the skin without there being a chance of air pockets, as the sound waves can’t penetrate air. The sonographer will press the transducer against your skin firmly and the rub it along the areas of interest, and review and then capture images as needed.