Carotid Arteries

The carotid arteries are a pair of major blood vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the brain. They are located on either side of the neck and descend from the aorta. The carotid arteries are a critical component for the proper functioning of the brain, providing essential nutrients and oxygen as well as carrying away waste products. Because of their importance, narrowing of the carotid arteries can cause stroke and other serious health issues. For this reason, they are regularly monitored using ultrasound imaging. Treatments such as balloon angioplasty, stenting, and surgery are commonly used to keep these blood vessels open and functioning properly.