If you have sinus or ear problems, you know how frustrating it can be to live with pressure, pain, and an inability to breathe. It can affect your sleep, your focus at work, and your enjoyment of life in general.

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. Now, Texas ENT and Allergy can diagnose your problems during your first office exam using a MiniCAT™ scanner.

MiniCAT™ is a compact, upright CT scanner specifically designed for the sinuses and ears. With MiniCAT™, getting a scan is quick, easy, and comfortable. Adult scans take 40 seconds and pediatric scans take only 20 seconds, and the radiation dose is much lower than sinus and ear scans taken on full-body CT scanners. With MiniCAT™, your doctor gets fully digital 3D images of your sinuses and ears, which gives him or her instant access to the information needed to diagnose your problem.

Your doctor can show you your scan on a computer monitor, explain your condition, and begin your treatment plan right away. The faster you begin your treatment, the faster you can get relief from your painful and frustrating symptoms.

How you benefit from Texas ENT and Allergy’s choice to use MiniCAT™:

Low radiation dose

MiniCAT™ adult scans have about one tenth the radiation dose of sinus scans taken on full-body CT scanners. MiniCAT™ pediatric scans have about half the radiation dose of MiniCAT™ adult scans. Lower radiation dose gives you peace of mind.

Upright, open design minimizes claustrophobia

With MiniCAT™, you sit comfortably upright in a chair as an overhead arm makes a single rotation around your head. MiniCAT™’s open, patient-friendly design eliminates the sense of claustrophobia that many people experience during CT scans taken on full-body CT scanners.

Instant, on-site diagnosis leads to faster treatment and relief

With MiniCAT™, your doctor can diagnose your problem during your office exam and prescribe treatment in one visit, so you can start feeling better faster.

Same day diagnosis minimizes your insurance co-pays

By eliminating the need for an off-site CT scan and a follow-up office visit, you can reduce your insurance co-pays, minimize your out-of-pocket expenses, and save valuable time.