Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 9, Issue 5 267-273, Copyright © 1990 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Duplex ultrasound analysis of operated carotid arteries in baboons
A. Bass, A. B. Kelly, S. M. Otis, S. R. Hanson, A. Torruella, L. A. Harker and W. C. Krupski
Department of Basic Clinical Research, Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California.
Duplex ultrasound analysis, which combines high-resolution B-mode imaging
and Doppler spectral flow analysis, was used to examine 3 to 4 mm in
diameter normal [n = 24] and mechanically manipulated baboon carotid
arteries (endarterectomies [n = 10], construction of interposition vascular
grafts [n = 10], and placement of endovascular stents within interposition
grafts [n = 4]). Patency or occlusion was definitively confirmed by direct
visualization and palpation during surgical exploration at defined
intervals or by postmortem histologic examination. Duplex examination
accurately demonstrated postoperative hemodynamic changes and with only one
exception correctly identified patency and occlusion. We conclude that this
technique is superior to more invasive methods for verification of the
outcome of operations on small arteries in experimental animals.
