CT IMAGE GUIDED SINUS PROCEDURES

Orange County Ear Allergy Nose & Neck (OCEANN) ENT

Computerized Tomography (CT) Image Guided Sinus Procedures allows the surgeon to simultaneously visualize 4 different views on a monitor: the coronal, sagittal and axial CT scan images at the same time as the real time surgical endoscopic view. It is then possible to compare the surgically visualized anatomy with the same anatomy of the CT scans.
The unique aspect of these systems is that the surgeon knows by looking at the monitor exactly where his or her instruments are during the procedure under CT visualization and guidance. This allow for a more accurate positioning of instruments and decreased likelihood of complications.

HOW THE TECHNIQUE WORKS

Initially, CT scans are obtained of the sinuses. The CT images are then processed and then downloaded onto the computer where all 3 CT sinus views are displayed simultaneously on a monitor in the procedure room along with the endoscopic view.
The system is used during procedures and the CT scan can be viewed on the monitor while the surgeon inserts a special probe tip into the nasal cavity. The probe may be any sinus instrument including but not limited to the Sinus balloons, Suctions, Seekers, or Microdebrider. The position of the probe can be seen on the monitor using standard endoscopic instruments. The position of the probe inside the nasal cavity can be pin-pointed exactly and visualized precisely on the CT image Guidance System. This exciting new technology has made a dramatic difference in endoscopic sinus surgery, especially in more difficult cases by helping reduce complications. It may also become the standard of practice in Endoscopic Sinus Procedures.