The effect of "Pyriform Turbinoplasty" on nasal airflow using a virtual model

A new procedure, pyriform turbinoplasty, is described and nasal airflow is measured before and after this procedure in a virtual model.

Pyriform turbinoplasty is the submucosal reduction of the bone of the frontal process of the maxilla and the lacrimal bone. It opens part of the lateral margin of the nasal valve area with minimal damage to nasal mucosa. The resection of bone in this area can be extended by "nasal wall lateralization" when the lacrimal bone that joins the uncinate process behind the lacrimal duct as well as the base of the inferior turbinate and the edge of the maxilla at the rim of the pyriform aperture are removed. Nasal airflow was simulated using computational fluid dynamics and ANSYS Fluent solver.

Analysis using fluid dynamics showed that these procedures help ventilation in the main airflow areas without substantially altering the normal pattern of airflow.

The changes after performing a pyriform turbinoplasty seem to be an improvement when compared to the changes after inferior turbinate surgery that can misdirect the airflow largely through the inferior meatus.