Impact of duplex scanning on carotid endarterectomy.
Duplex ultrasound permits safe and accurate assessment of the extracranial vasculature. This paper reports the change in patterns of referral to a specialized vascular unit following its introduction; increased referrals were seen in all specialties except neurology. A widely available and reliable duplex service has revealed more extracranial vascular disease than was previously recognized, and has increased referrals for carotid endarterectomy, thereby increasing surgical workload.
Chant
A D
AD
Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal South Hampshire Hospital, Southampton, UK.
Thompson
J F
JF
Stranks
G J
GJ
Ranaboldo
C
C
Humphries
K N
KN
Hames
T K
TK
Clifford
P C
PC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D004691:Endarterectomy / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000639:trends; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000639:trends