Point Of Care Imaging
One of the best ways to diagnose sinus and ear problems is with a CT (computed tomography) scan (also known as a “CAT” scan). Until recently, if your doctor needed a CT scan to diagnose your sinus or ear problem, he or she would have sent you to a hospital or imaging center for a scan on a full-body CT scanner, and then brought you back to his or her office for a follow-up visit to discuss your diagnosis and make a treatment plan. This process can take days or even weeks, delaying your treatment and relief. The physicians at Kentuckiana Ear Nose and Throat are using the latest technology and can diagnose your problems during your first office exam using a Xoran MiniCAT™ scanne
What is a CT Scan?
A CT scan – also called CT or computed tomography – is an X-ray technique that produces images of your body that visualize internal structures in cross section rather than the overlapping images typically produced by conventional X-ray exams.
A conventional X-ray is limited to a 2-D visualization. Diagnosis and treatment planning can require a more complete understanding of a complex 3-D anatomy. CT examinations provide a wealth of 3-D information that can be used when planning for sinus or ear surgery. CT scans provide a greater chance for precisely diagnosing conditions which can be missed a significant percentage of the time on conventional films. In a nutshell, the CT scan enhances your physician’s ability to see what he/she needs to see before treatment is started.
The Xoran MiniCAT™ is a compact, upright volume computed tomography system designed for high-resolution bone window imaging of the sinuses, temporal bones and skull base. MiniCAT™ provides immediate access to images resulting in faster diagnosis and treatment.
The Xoran MiniCAT™ scanner is an in office CT scanner that offers a variety of advantages over traditional scanning. These include high resolution images with 3 dimensional reconstructions. The sinuses, ears, facial bones, temporal bones and TMJ’s can be displayed clearly and in various views. Additionally, the CT has significantly lower radiation exposure (1/8th the dose!) than traditional CT scans. With increasing concerns about life-time radiation exposure, this is a critical advantage over traditional imaging. Patients are able to sit comfortably without having to flex or extend their necks into difficult positions. An in-office CT scan only takes 10-20 seconds depending on the type of scan ordered for the patient.
The data from the scan can be saved on a CD, DVD, or on a memory stick. The Xoran software makes it easy to print images and reports for patients and requesting physicians.
With the Xoran MiniCAT™ we can effectively view the anatomy of the sinuses. The human head contains 4 pairs of sinuses (8 total) which are connected by nasal passages. The frontal sinuses are in the forehead, the maxillary sinuses are behind the cheek bones, the ethmoid sinuses are between the eyes, and the sphenoid sinuses are behind the eyes.
