OBJECTIVE: To investigate the aerodynamic consequences of conservative unilateral inferior turbinate reduction using computational fluid dynamics methods to accomplish detailed nasal airflow simulations. DESIGN: A high-resolution, finite-element mesh of the nasal airway was constructed from magnetic resonance imaging data of a healthy man. Steady-state, inspiratory airflow simulations were conducted at 15 L/min using the techniques of computational fluid dynamics. INTERVENTION: Circumferential removal of 2 mm of soft tissue bulk along the length of the left inferior turbinate was modeled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nasal airflow distribution and pressure profiles were computed before and after simulated left inferior turbinate reduction. RESULTS: Simulated inferior turbinate reduction resulted in a broad reduction of pressure along the nasal airway, including the regions distant from the inferior turbinate vicinity. In contrast, relative airflow changes were regional: airflow was minimally affected in the valve region, increased in the lower portion of the middle and posterior nose, and decreased dorsally. CONCLUSION: Use of computational fluid dynamics methods should help elucidate the aerodynamic significance of specific surgical interventions and refine surgical approaches to the nasal airway.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the aerodynamic consequences of conservative unilateral inferior turbinate reduction using computational fluid dynamics methods to accomplish detailed nasal airflow simulations. DESIGN: A high-resolution, finite-element mesh of the nasal airway was constructed from magnetic resonance imaging data of a healthy man. Steady-state, inspiratory airflow simulations were conducted at 15 L/min using the techniques of computational fluid dynamics. INTERVENTION: Circumferential removal of 2 mm of soft tissue bulk along the length of the left inferior turbinate was modeled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nasal airflow distribution and pressure profiles were computed before and after simulated left inferior turbinate reduction. RESULTS: Simulated inferior turbinate reduction resulted in a broad reduction of pressure along the nasal airway, including the regions distant from the inferior turbinate vicinity. In contrast, relative airflow changes were regional: airflow was minimally affected in the valve region, increased in the lower portion of the middle and posterior nose, and decreased dorsally. CONCLUSION: Use of computational fluid dynamics methods should help elucidate the aerodynamic significance of specific surgical interventions and refine surgical approaches to the nasal airway.
Authors: Julia S Kimbell; Guilherme J M Garcia; Dennis O Frank; Daniel E Cannon; Sachin S Pawar; John S Rhee Journal: Am J Rhinol Allergy Date: 2012 May-Jun Impact factor: 2.467
Authors: Tjoson Tjoa; Cyrus T Manuel; Ryan P Leary; Rani Harb; Dmitriy E Protsenko; Brian J F Wong Journal: JAMA Facial Plast Surg Date: 2016 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 4.611
Authors: Azadeh A T Borojeni; Dennis O Frank-Ito; Julia S Kimbell; John S Rhee; Guilherme J M Garcia Journal: Int J Numer Method Biomed Eng Date: 2016-09-21 Impact factor: 2.747
Authors: Scott Shadfar; William W Shockley; Gita M Fleischman; Anand R Dugar; Kibwei A McKinney; Dennis O Frank-Ito; Julia S Kimbell Journal: JAMA Facial Plast Surg Date: 2014 Sep-Oct Impact factor: 4.611