Overview
Computed tomography, commonly known as a CT scan or CAT scan, is a diagnostic test that produces multiple images of the inside of the body. Images can be generated in three dimensions and give greater detail of the soft tissues and bony tissues versus a traditional x-ray.
For ear, nose and throat disorders, CT scans provide valuable information about a patient’s sinus cavities and ear canals. CT scans are useful for the diagnosis of chronic or recurrent acute sinusitis.
At National Sinus Institute, in our Rio Rancho, NM clinic, our MiniCAT™ scanner is a small, upright CT scanner that creates fast, quality images of the sinuses and ears. This advanced technology creates 3 dimension x-ray images of the anatomy, giving our providers valuable information for an accurate diagnosis.
The MiniCAT® provides immediate, on-site diagnosis and treatment planning. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes, with less than 20 seconds for an actual scan, and the patient remains seated upright during the scan. Because it is open, its patient-friendly design minimizes claustrophobia and is wheelchair accessible as well.
The MiniCAT® scanner has a much lower radiation dose than conventional CT scans. For example, our scan is less radiation exposure than two typical x-rays; in comparison, a traditional CT scan of the head is the equivalent of approximately 20 x-rays.
The CT scanners at National Sinus Institute are accredited by the IAC (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission).
IAC accreditation is widely respected within the medical community and is considered a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been carefully critiqued in all aspects of its operations.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery strongly endorses the practice of providing patients with timely, effective, efficient, and patient-centered diagnostic imaging studies and interpretation by appropriately qualified specialists. Otolaryngologists receive training in head and neck imaging studies as part of their medical specialty training, and it is a component of the Scope of Knowledge for Board Certification as an otolaryngologist.
