Preoperative Testing

    Carotid Doppler Before Surgery: When It Is Requested

    Understand why carotid duplex may be requested before selected surgeries or in patients with vascular risk factors.

    What the scan evaluates

    Carotid duplex evaluates plaque, narrowing, and blood-flow velocities in the neck arteries. It can help clinicians understand stroke-risk context before selected procedures or during vascular follow-up.

    Who may be referred

    Referral may occur with a carotid bruit, previous TIA or stroke, known plaque, multiple cardiovascular risk factors, or a specialist request before surgery.

    Important Signs to Mention

    Carotid bruit
    Prior TIA or stroke
    Known plaque
    High cholesterol
    Diabetes
    Specialist referral
    Frequently Asked Questions
    No. It is usually requested for specific risk factors or specialist indications, not as a routine test for everyone.