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 specialities 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.