Digital particle image velocimetry studies of nasal airflow

Understanding the properties of airflow in the nasal cavity is essential to understanding physiologic and pathologic aspects of nasal breathing. Many attempts have been made to evaluate nasal airflow patterns using the best possible analytical methods available at the time. Recently, digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) and computational fluid dynamic methods have been applied to this area. Digital PIV is an experimental method used to evaluate airflow in an accurately reproduced transparent model of the nasal cavity. In this review, use of the DPIV procedure in the study of nasal airflow, airflow patterns in quiet respiration, and changes to airflow after modification of the nasal turbinates are reviewed, along with aspects of the DPIV technique and the future role of DPIV in this field of research.