Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Evaluating Regional Pulmonary Deposition using Patient-Specific 3D Printed Lung Models
Published on: November 11, 2020
Deposition of inhaled particles in the lungs
Ana Fernández Tena1, Pere Casan Clarà
1Instituto Nacional de Silicosis, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Oviedo, España.
Abstract:
Inhaled medication is the first-line treatment of diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Its effectiveness is related to the amount of drug deposited beyond the oropharyngeal region, the place where the deposit occurs and its distribution (uniform or not). It is also important to consider the size of the inhaled particles, the breathing conditions, the geometry of the airways and the mucociliary clearance mechanisms. Currently, mathematical models are being applied to describe the deposition of inhaled drugs based on the size of the particles, the inspiratory flow and the anatomical distribution of the bronchial tree. The deposition of particles in the small airways gets maximum attention from pharmaceutical companies and is of great interest as it is related with a better control in patients receiving these drugs.
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