Journal of Bioengineering & Biomedical Science

Validity and Sensitivity of 2 MHz and 4 MHz Pulsed Wave for Detecting Emboli in Carotid Phantom

Abstract

Ali Aldhebaib*, Mohammed Aslam

Stroke remains a serious medical condition resulting in significant mortality and disability. Early detection using ultrasound technology is a way forward to prevent potential strokes. It has been known that ultrasound transducer of a single crystal with a frequency of around 2 MHz used for embolus detection in the Meddle Cerebral Artery (MCA), but no specific transducer have been validated for embolus detection in Common Carotid Artery (CCA) yet. Our study aims to use carotid phantom to report the sensitivity and specificity of embolus detection of 2 MHz, and 4 MHz PW probes in continuous monitoring of the common carotid artery. Our results show validity and high sensitivity of 2 MHz and 4 MHz pulsed Doppler transducers to detect solid embolic particles up to the size of 200 μm in a phantom of the common carotid artery. 2 MHz probe was more sensitive in detection of 200 μm particles and a symmetric to MCA probe monitoring. Simultaneous monitoring of MCA and CCA with the use of Doppler ultrasound with 2 MHz probe has a potential value to identify the active embolic signal source in patients with acute stroke. The monitoring may help to prevent or predict future acute stroke events thereby preventing potentially life threatening medical condition.