[Simulation of inferior turbinate reduction using computational fluid dynamics methods]

Objective:Two computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models of unilateral inferior turbinate reductions (ITR) were constructed and investigate the influences of aerodynamic consequences.Method:A unilateral hypertrophic inferior turbinate CFD model wasestablished. Two kinds of methods in removing of tissue bulk along the length of the hypertrophic inferior turbinate were used,and we got the model B and the model C. Nasal airflow distribution were computed before and after simulated unilateral inferior turbinate reduction in use of Fluent 6.3.26.Result:Simulated two kinds of ITR resulted in enlargement in the cross-section area of inferior nasal meatus, 0.36 cm² of the model B and 0.89 cm² of the model C in average. Model C produced a less reduction in intranasal pressures (approximately 3 Pa) than the model B and the original model which are the same as approximately 8 Pa. More air was predicted to flow in the affected nasal passage in the model C (approximately 80 ml/s) than the model B and the original model. Airspeed in the anterior valve region was improved significantly and more vortices happened in the model C.Conclusion:The model C is significantly better than the model B in restoring normal anatomy and ventilation physiological of the nasal cavity. So, in ITR recoverying normal anatomy structure of the nasal has decisive significance.