Biomechanical study on the effect of changes in ostiomeatal complex structure on NO concentration in the nasal cavity

Nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the nasal cavity plays an important role in maintaining nasal function and health. We investigated the influence of the geometric structure of the ostiomeatal complex (OMC) on nasal cavity NO concentration distribution and provide optimization strategies for reconstruction surgery related to OMC function.

ology: Numerical nasal cavity models of 21 healthy volunteers were established, and the effects of the OMC structure on NO distribution in the nasal cavity were numerically studied. Additionally, the nasal meatus widths of five healthy adult New Zealand rabbits were modified surgically. Exhaled NO concentration was measured pre- and post-surgery to study the effect of nasal meatus width on NO distribution in the rabbit nasal cavities.

Through numerical analysis, a quantified relationship was obtained between the width of the middle nasal passage, the hydraulic diameter of the maxillary sinus ostium, and airflow rate with the concentration of NO in the nasal and paranasal sinuses. The impact of these three factors on the NO concentration of exhaled airflow was compared across all volunteers. An optimal combination of middle nasal passage width and ostium diameter can ensure a normal NO concentration in the nasal cavity.

When reconstructing the OMC structure to restore function, factors such as the width of the middle nasal meatus and maxillary sinus ostium area and length should be considered comprehensively to reshape an optimal OMC structure for achieving a normal physiological distribution of NO concentration in the nasal cavity.