Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Handheld versus conventional ultrasound for assessing carotid artery in routine volunteers
Lin Jin1, Lan-Yue Tong2, Lei Sha2
1Department of Ultrasound, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.
Aim:
Carotid ultrasound is a key tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of cardio disease, and the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and hemodynamic parameters is of paramount importance for the imaging method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of handheld ultrasound devices for measuring carotid parameters.
Methods:
We performed a carotid ultrasound on 25 participants using a handheld ultrasound device and a conventional ultrasound machine. For each participant, max and mean CIMT of common carotid artery (CCA) and peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistive index (RI) of CCA, bilateral external carotid artery (ECA), internal carotid artery (ICA) and the vertebral artery were measured. Agreement and repeatability were evaluated by linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis.
Results:
We found a good repeatability and consistent of handheld ultrasound device in measuring mean CIMT (r = 0.68, P < 0.01). Furthermore, there was a moderate to good agreement between handheld and conventional ultrasound systems in measuring max IMT, mean IMT, PSV, EDV and RI of CCA (0.73, 0.79, 0.52, 0.58 and 0.84, respectively).
Conclusion:
Handheld ultrasound devices were able to provide carotid IMT and hemodynamic parameters measurements similar to those of conventional ultrasound. Such capabilities of handheld ultrasound devices might be useful for the primary assessment of carotid in clinical work.
Related Concept Videos
Assessing Blood pressure using a doppler ultrasound
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Doppler Ultrasound Blood Pressure Assessment:
Preparation of Equipment:
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)
Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(one-step method)
Prepare for the Procedure:
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...

