[Determination of aerosol deposition in the maxillary sinus]

The penetration of aerosol into the maxillary sinus depends on the function of the maxillary ostium. Exact findings regarding the velocity of the air flow in the maxillary sinus can be gained by anemometry under optical control of the position of the thermistor. The penetration of aerosol (Patent Blue) can be observed even with a partially closed ostium, and deposit can be documented by photographs. The resorptive process on the mucosa - using fluorescent aerosols - can be visualized by direct excision under UV microscopy. Finally, it is pointed out that the aerosol has a therapeutic value in chronic sinusitis maxillaris even with only partial patency of the ostium.