Sinus CAT scans for ENT in London
CT Sinuses - Low-Dose CBCT Imaging
CBCT imaging can be used to assess airway, paranasal sinus pathologies, nasal polyps, temporal and frontal bone anatomy, middle ear, and cochlear implantation.
We have invested into 3D ENT imaging programs together with Planmeca. The Planmeca CBCT unit offers a minute voxel size of just 75 μm (micrometers). This super-fine voxel displays an amazing level of clarity enabling a comprehensive examination.
We have listed below some of the other indications, which would warrant a CBCT investigation in ENT
- Cholesteatoma
- Otosclerosis
- Mastoiditis
- Ossicular chain form
- Cochlear implant (CI)
- Semi-circular canal dehiscence syndrome
- Congenital abnormalities of the middle ear
- Patulous Eustachian tube (PET)
- Temporal bone fracture
- Acute/Chronic Sinusitis
- Vacuum cephalgia
- Osseous defects in the paranasal sinus
- Planning surgical procedures in the paranasal sinus
- Image acquisition of IGS for FESS
Endoscopic trans-nasal approach for skull base surgery with image guidance system
- Diagnosis of foreign body larynx (in the case of X-ray opaque)
- Ptyalolith (in the case of X-ray opaque)
- Form of epiglottis
- Mid-facial fractures
- Blow-out fractures
- Zygomatic arch fractures
- Nasal bone fractures
- Petrous bone fractures
Why have a CBCT instead of a CT for CT sinuses?
For imaging the paranasal sinuses, a CBCT sinus scan offers real advantages over conventional CT for the right clinical questions: it delivers a far lower radiation dose while still capturing high-resolution detail of the bony sinus anatomy — important for an area imaged so close to the eyes and brain, especially where follow-up scans may be needed.
It is also quicker, more comfortable in a more open scanner, and lower in cost, making quality sinus imaging accessible without a hospital referral.
Maxillofacial Surgery
The main clinical applications of CBCT in maxillofacial surgery may be summarised as dental implantology, impacted and supernumerary tooth, OMF pathology, maxillofacial trauma, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, dentofacial discrepancies, and cleft palate.
CBCT provides the 3D visualisation of the alveolar bone height, width, and thickness, and spatial proximity of inferior alveolar and incisive canals, maxillary sinus, and nasal cavity. It is the contemporary method used for planning dental implant surgery and bone augmentation procedures.
The CBCT is also used for pre-surgical evaluation of impacted teeth, supernumerary teeth, and their relations with neighbouring anatomic structures (adjacent teeth, inferior alveolar nerve, mental nerve, and maxillary sinus).
All kinds of pathologic lesions which affect bone tissue in the OMF region including infection, cysts, tumours, and osteonecrosis can be monitored by CBCT imaging.
The CBCT technology can be used in combination with specific computer software for preoperative virtual planning and fabrication of patient-specific reconstruction plates for mandibular fractures. When CBCT and multi-detector CT were compared in diagnostic imaging of mid-face, it was concluded that CBCT provided better image quality at lower doses, comparable image quality at higher doses, and superior spatial resolution in standard- and reduced-dose settings.
A CBCT imaging for TMJ complex requires less time and lower radiation doses, it provides the multi-planar views for both TMJs from a single 360° rotation scan, and it simplifies positioning of the patient. The TMJ is often involved in patients with multiple maxillofacial fractures. CBCT enables us to meet the patient’s needs by providing adequate information regarding the nature of fracture, its extent and relative locations of important anatomic structures.
The treatment planning and success of the surgical treatments of alveolar cleft patients can be assessed with CBCT imaging. Moreover, 3D measurement of cleft area including volume of bone defect and outcomes after alveolar grafting in cleft lip and palate patients can also be assessed by CBCT imaging. The dentofacial discrepancies can be visualised, and virtual planning of orthognathic surgeries can be performed with CBCT imaging and special software.
Why Refer to 3Beam
3Beam is a CQC-registered diagnostic imaging centre at 86 Harley Street, providing specialists with high-resolution, low-dose CBCT imaging and expert reporting.
- Specialist-grade equipment — Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid with a 75μm voxel size for exceptional detail
- Reported by a specialist — all ENT scans are reported by our GMC-registered radiologist Dr Mandy Williams
- Fast turnaround — reports returned within 5 working days
- Central London location — 86 Harley Street, with easy access for patients
- Recognised by major insurers — Allianz, WPA, Aviva, Cigna, Bupa and Simplyhealth