Improved Image Quality for Assessment of Carotid Artery Stenosis by Ultrafast Ultrasound FLOW Imaging

Improved Image Quality for Assessment of Carotid Artery Stenosis by Ultrafast Ultrasound FLOW Imaging

Objective: To evaluate the technical performance of a novel cascaded wave imaging technique compared to plane wave imaging for blood flow imaging in patients with and without carotid artery stenosis.

Study design: Observational, feasibility study in a total of 10 patients with and 10 patients without a hemodynamic significant carotid artery plaque.

Intervention (observational): all participants will undergo a carotid ultrasound measurement including conventional duplex ultrasound and ultrasound based flow imaging using plane waves and cascaded waves.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Capacitated adult male or female (≥18 years old);
• Informed consent form understood and signed;
• Recent conventional duplex measurement of the carotid artery confirming either the absence or presence of a plaque

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hampered carotid blood flow imaging during conventional duplex/doppler measurements due to near to total carotid occlusion at the side of interest or a calcified plaque;
• History of radiation at the head-neck area;
• Participating in another clinical study, interfering on outcomes.