[Influence of uncinate process on aerodynamic characteristics of nasal cavity and maxillary sinus].
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the influence of uncinate process on air flow velocity, trace, distribution, air pressure, as well as the air flow exchange of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.


METHODS
Fluent software was used to simulate two nasal cavity and paranasal sinus structures following CT scanning, one had normal nasal cavity, the another had the nasal cavity with uncinate process removed. Air flow velocity, pressure, distribution and trace lines were calculated and compared by Navier-Stokes equation and numerically visualized between two models.


RESULTS
Air flow of two models in the common and middle meatus accounted for more than 50% and 30% of total nasal cavity flow. Flow velocity of two models were maximal in the common meatus, followed by the middle meatus. The maximal velocity existed on the left nasal district between limen nasi and head of inferior turbinate. The flow traces of two models were similar. In the normal model, the air flow velocity of the district around uncinate process was almost the same in inhale and exhale. In the model with the uncinate process removed, the air flow velocity of the district around uncinate process was faster, the air flow velocity in expiratory phase was quicker. Compared with the normal nasal cavity, there was more exchange of maxillary sinus in the model with cut uncinate process.


CONCLUSIONS
In the view of flow dynamics, the uncinate process effects the air flow velocity of the district around uncinate process and the exchange of maxillary sinus, the contribution of nasal flow is connected with the morphosis of the uncinate process.
Xiong
Guan-xia
GX
Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Li
Jian-feng
JF
Zhan
Jie-min
JM
Jiang
Guang-li
GL
Rong
Liang-wan
LW
Xu
Geng
G
D000328:Adult; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008443:Maxillary Sinus / Q000502:physiology*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012984:Software; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed