A Dynamic Rabbit Model of Sinus Barotrauma and Its Related Pathology

This study was undertaken to establish a dynamic animal model of sinus barotrauma (SB).

The right nasal cavities of 65 rabbits were filled with sponges to obstruct the right ostiomeatal complex (OMC), while in the left nasal cavities, the left OMC was kept clear. The rabbits were exposed to hypobaric chamber simulation. The right sinuses were assigned as the model group, randomly divided into 13 subgroups with 5 in each subgroup, while the left sinuses were assigned as the control group. The hypobaric chamber simulation involved 6 pairs of ascending/descending speeds (100 m · s(-1), 75 m · s(-1), 50 m · s(-1)) to 2 altitudes (13,123 ft or 6562 ft). The ascending/descending speed for Model Group 13 was 15 m · s(-1) to an altitude of 13,123 ft. The control group was not exposed to hypobaric chamber simulation or obstruction of the OMC. All rabbits were monitored for behavior and via nasal endoscopy, MRI, and mucosal pathology, and statistically analyzed.

SB appeared at the ascending/descending speeds of 50 m · s(-1), 75 m · s(-1), and 100 m · s(-1). SB was more obvious at 100 m · s(-1) than at 50 m · s(-1) and 75 m · s(-1), and SB happened mainly at altitudes between 0-6562 ft. Based on behavior during hypobaric chamber simulation and the results of endoscopic morphology, imaging, and cell pathology, SB could be divided into mild, moderate, and severe.

By obstructing the OMC and using hypobaric chamber simulation at high ascending/descending speeds and altitude, a dynamic rabbit model of SB at various degrees was established. The severity of SB was proportional to the ascending/descending speeds and mainly seen below 6562 ft.