Numerical flow simulation in the post-endoscopic sinus surgery nasal cavity.
In this study we utilized computational fluid dynamic (CFD) techniques to construct a numerical simulation of nasal cavity airflow pre and post virtual functional endoscopic surgery (FESS). A healthy subject was selected, and CFD techniques were then applied to construct an anatomically and proportionally accurate three-dimensional nasal model based on nasal CT scans. A virtual FESS intervention was performed numerically on the normal nasal model using Fluent software. Navier-Stokes and continuity equations were used to calculate and compare airflow, velocity, distribution and pressure in both the pre and post FESS models. In the post-FESS model, there was an increase in airflow distribution in the maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, and a 13% increase through the area connecting the middle meatus and the surgically opened ethmoid. There was a gradual decrease in nasal resistance in the posterior ethmoid sinus region following FESS. These findings highlight the potential of this technique as a powerful preoperative assessment tool to aid clinical decision-making.
Xiong
Guanxia
G
Otolaryngology Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Otolaryngology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Road 2, 510080, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
Zhan
Jiemin
J
Zuo
Kejun
K
Li
Jianfeng
J
Rong
Liangwan
L
Xu
Geng
G
D000328:Adult; D000403:Airway Resistance; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010256:Paranasal Sinuses / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult