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ABSTRACT: The effect of cavitation bubbles on the removal of juvenile barnacles was documented using high speed photography. Using spark generated bubbles, the interaction between barnacle and cavitation bubble was examined in detail. The liquid jet generated by the bubble collapse was observed to be directed towards barnacle at different impact intensities, which is related to the dimensionless distance H' (H'=H/Rm), where H is the distance between bubble formation point and the top of barnacle, and Rm is the maximum bubble radius. At lower values of H', higher speed liquid jet was produced; consequently a larger impact pressure was generated. In general, barnacles are more easily removed at a younger stage. In older barnacles, the liquid jet impact was only able to remove the barnacle shells, leaving the base plate attached to the surface. This study indicates that cavitation can be used to remove attached barnacles, and it would be more efficient if it is applied during early stages of fouling, before the formation of hard calcareous structures.
Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces 04/2013; 109C:219-227. · 2.60 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The effects of surface roughness and shear on the attachment of Oscillatoria sp. algal filaments onto SS314 stainless steel coupons were investigated. Average surface roughness was used to systematically characterize the surface condition. An annular biofilm reactor with a spinning inner cylinder was used to create a uniform shear flow over the coupons. As far as the authors are able to establish, these systematic methods have yet to be used in the study of microalgae deposition. It was postulated that increasing average surface roughness would lead to an increase in the amount of algae deposited, whereas an increase in shear would lead to a decrease in algae deposition and reduce the algae lengths by way of fragmentation. The results indicate that an increasing surface roughness would increase the amount of algal strands that might deposit on the coupons, whereas shear was found to have the effect of reducing the amount of algae that might attach on the coupons.
Water Environment Research 09/2012; 84(9):744-52. · 0.88 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and aneurysm, are closely associated with haemodynamic factors that are governed by luminal geometry. The present work aimed to study the effect of geometrical variation of aging aortas on haemodynamics. METHODS: Six aged subjects with intricate geometrical features, such as bulging or twisted supra-aortic arteries, sharply curved arch and double-curved descending aorta, were chosen from our medical database. These six geometrically variant aortas were reconstructed and the pulsatile nature of the blood flow of these subject-specific aorta models investigated using computational fluid dynamics simulations. Realistic time-dependent boundary conditions are prescribed for various arteries of the aorta models. RESULTS: This study suggests that haemodynamics in the human aorta is highly dependent on geometrical features. The positioning and contouring of the supra-aortic arteries may be associated with the skewness of velocity profiles. The flow profiles in the aortic arch or bends are generally skewed towards the inner curvature wall and this skewness may give rise to the formation of secondary flow in the inner curvature wall of the distal arch. The degree of vorticity in the distal aortic arch is found to be related to the arch curvature. The helical nature of aortic haemodynamics is predominant in the systole phrase when it begins with a left-handed rotation and then vanishes in the ascending aorta, whereas a right-handed rotation persists in the distal aortic arch. Lower wall shear stress is also found in the ascending regions where secondary flow is present. CONCLUSIONS: The aorta with an irregular contour and large degree of curvature at its arch favours the development of the intra-aortic secondary flow that subsequently relates to the pathogenesis of atheroma. The present study identifies the general trend of haemodynamic behaviours associated with various local geometrical features. Combining the knowledge of the correlation between haemodynamics and the underlying risks in the development of cardiovascular diseases, our study hopes to provide a better understanding of the relationship between aortic morphology and developing pathobiology of cardiovascular diseases. As such, early medical planning as well as surgical interventions can be designed to retard or prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.
European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery: official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery 07/2012; · 2.40 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We evaluated, by CFD simulation, effects of accessory ostium (AO) on maxillary sinus ventilation. A three-dimensional nasal model was constructed from an adult CT scan with two left maxillary AOs (sinus I) and one right AO (sinus II), then compared to an identical control model with all AOs sealed (sinuses III and IV). Transient simulations of quiet inspiration and expiration at 15 L/min, and nasal blow at 48 L/min, were calculated for both models using low-Reynolds-number turbulent analysis. At low flows, ventilation rates in sinuses with AOs (I ≈ 0.46 L/min, II ≈ 0.54 L/min), were both more than a magnitude higher than sinuses without AOs (II I ≈ 0.019 L/min, IV ≈ 0.020 L/min). Absence of AO almost completely prevented sinus ventilation. Increased ventilation of sinuses with AOs is complex. Under high flow conditions mimicking nose blowing, in sinuses II, III, and IV, the sinus flow rate increased. In contrast, the airflow direction through sinus I reversed between inspiration and expiration, while it remained almost constant throughout the respiration cycle in sinus II. CFD simulation demonstrated that AOs markedly increase maxillary sinus airflow rates and alter sinus air circulation patterns. Whether these airflow changes impact maxillary sinus physiology or pathophysiology is unknown.
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology 06/2012; 183(2):91-9. · 2.24 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study reconstructed a three dimensional fluid/structure interaction (FSI) model to investigate the compliance of human soft palate during calm respiration. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of a healthy male subject were obtained for model reconstruction of the upper airway and the soft palate. The fluid domain consists of nasal cavity, nasopharynx and oropharynx. The airflow in upper airway was assumed as laminar and incompressible. The soft palate was assumed as linear elastic. The interface between airway and soft palate was the FSI interface. Sinusoidal variation of velocity magnitude was applied at the oropharynx corresponding to ventilation rate of 7.5L/min. Simulations of fluid model in upper airway, FSI models with palatal Young's modulus of 7539Pa and 3000Pa were carried out for two cycles of respiration. The results showed that the integrated shear forces over the FSI interface were much smaller than integrated pressure forces in all the three directions (axial, coronal and sagittal). The total integrated force in sagittal direction was much smaller than that of coronal and axial directions. The soft palate was almost static during inspiration but moved towards the posterior pharyngeal wall during expiration. In conclusion, the displacement of human soft palate during respiration was mainly driven by air pressure around the surface of the soft palate with minimal contribution of shear stress of the upper airway flow. Despite inspirational negative pressure, expiratory posterior movement of soft palate could be another factor for the induction of airway collapse.
Journal of biomechanics 05/2012; 45(11):1992-2000. · 2.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study attempts to evaluate the effects of deviation of external nose to nasal airflow patterns. Four typical subjects were chosen for model reconstruction based on computed tomography images of undeviated, S-shaped deviated, C-shaped deviated and slanted deviated noses. To study the hypothetical influence of deviation of external nasal wall on nasal airflow (without internal blockage), the collapsed region along the turbinate was artificially reopened in all the three cases with deviated noses. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were carried out in models of undeviated, original deviated and reopened nasal cavities at both flow rates of 167 and 500 ml/s. The shape of the anterior nasal roof was found to be collapsed on one side of the nasal airways in all the deviated noses. High wall shear stress region was found around the collapsed anterior nasal roof. The nasal resistances in cavities with deviated noses were considerably larger than healthy nasal cavity. Patterns of path-line distribution and wall shear stress distribution were similar between original deviated and reopened models. In conclusion, the deviation of an external nose is associated with the collapse of one anterior nasal roof. The crooked external nose induced a larger nasal resistance compared to the undeviated case, while the internal blockage of the airway along the turbinates further increased it.
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 04/2012; · 0.85 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been shown to have significant potential for the characterization of cells and could become an efficient tool for rapid identification and assessment of microorganisms. The present work is focused on the trapping, characterization, and separation of two species of Cryptosporidium (C. parvum and C. muris) and Giardia lambia (G. lambia) using a microfluidic experimental setup. Cryptosporidium oocysts, which are 2-4 μm in size and nearly spherical in shape, are used for the preliminary stage of prototype development and testing. G. lambia cysts are 8-12 μm in size. In order to facilitate effective trapping, simulations were performed to study the effects of buffer conductivity and applied voltage on the flow and cell transport inside the DEP chip. Microscopic experiments were performed using the fabricated device and the real part of Clausius-Mossotti factor of the cells was estimated from critical voltages for particle trapping at the electrodes under steady fluid flow. The dielectric properties of the cell compartments (cytoplasm and membrane) were calculated based on a single shell model of the cells. The separation of C. muris and G. lambia is achieved successfully at a frequency of 10 MHz and a voltage of 3 Vpp (peak to peak voltage).
Biomicrofluidics 03/2012; 6(1):12805-1280514. · 3.37 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Low frequency, low intensity ultrasound was demonstrated as an effective inhibitor of barnacle cyprid settlement. When the same substratum vibration amplitude (10.05 nm) and acoustic pressure (5 kPa) were applied, ultrasound at a frequency of 23 kHz significantly reduced cyprid settlement. The mechanism appeared to differ from the ultrasonic cavitation induced inhibition previously reported as no increased mortality was observed, and no change in the exploratory behaviour of cyprids was observed when they were exposed to this continuous ultrasonic irradiation regime. The application of ultrasound treatment in an intermittent mode of '5 min on and 20 min off' at 20-25 kHz and at the low intensity of 5 kPa produced the same effect as the continuous application of 23 kHz. This energy efficient approach to the use of low frequency, low intensity ultrasound may present a promising and efficient strategy regarding irradiation treatment for antifouling applications.
Biofouling 02/2012; 28(2):131-41. · 4.43 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Urinary calculi are formed from a result of biological mal-adjustment of urine leading to deposits of salt and mineral crystals along the urinary collecting system. They are usually multiphasic material with complex compositions. The objective of this study is to identify and characterize a series of urinary calculi samples using a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). These samples were retrieved during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. Additional characterization by hardness value and microstructure is also carried out for co-relation study. The samples are found to be uric acid, calcium oxalates and magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate. TGA is indeed one of the viable analytical tools for urinary calculi as it is fast and simple. The combinational application of EDS is beneficial when there is a need for differentiated qualitative chemical composition detection at the identified nuclei position for urinary calculi with spatial variation in composition. The combination of TGA and EDS will thus facilitate the correct diagnosis and treatment by clinicians.
Urological Research 10/2011; 40(3):197-204. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Partial inferior turbinectomy is typically performed on patients suffering from chronic nasal obstruction due to hypertrophy of inferior turbinates and is refractory to other more conservative treatments. The effects of the various options of incision performed on the inferior turbinate in terms of the resulting nasal airflow pattern are examined using computational fluid mechanics. The pressure drops across the severely blocked nose and healthy nose models were found to be 32.3 and 12.3?Pa, respectively, whereas the pressure drops across the nasal cavity following one-third turbinate resection, total turbinate resection and front-end resection were obtained as 5.8, 6.1 and 30.5?Pa correspondingly. Based on the total pressure drop results, the one-third resection option seems to be better than the front-end surgery and the total turbinate resection.
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 09/2011; · 0.85 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Face masks or respirators are commonly worn by medical professionals and patients for protection against respiratory tract infection and the spread of illnesses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome and pandemic influenza (H1N1). Breathing discomfort due to increased breathing resistance is known to be a problem with the use of N95 respirators but there is a lack of scientific data to quantify this effect. The purpose of this study was to assess objectively the impact of wearing N95 face masks on breathing resistance. A total of 14 normal adult volunteers (seven males and seven females) were recruited in this study. Nasal airflow resistance during inspiration and expiration was measured using a standard rhinomanometry and nasal spirometry. A modified full face mask was produced in-house in order to measure nasal resistance with the use of N95 (3M 8210) respirators. The results showed a mean increment of 126 and 122% in inspiratory and expiratory flow resistances, respectively, with the use of N95 respirators. There was also an average reduction of 37% in air exchange volume with the use of N95 respirators. This is the first reported study that demonstrates quantitatively and objectively the substantial impairment of nasal airflow in terms of increased breathing resistance with the use of N95 respirators on actual human subjects.
Annals of Occupational Hygiene 09/2011; 55(8):917-21. · 1.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to provide an objective assessment of the effects on the aqueous outflow rate of various geometries of the scleral flap and sclerostomy created in trabeculectomy.
Computer-based models and simulations of this surgical procedure were used to investigate the relative effects of various shapes and dimensions of scleral flap and sclerostomy on the aqueous outflow.
In these computer simulations, increasing scleral flap size was found to be associated with an increase of 48.55% in aqueous egress. In addition, a square scleral flap increased the aqueous drainage by 36.26% compared with a triangular flap of equivalent flap area. Surprisingly, our simulation results showed that a smaller semicircular sclerostomy improved aqueous drainage by up to 33.00%, while a semicircular sclerostomy, compared with a circular sclerostomy, led to a further 6.16% increase in aqueous outflow. Decreasing flap thickness beyond half-thickness caused an additional increase in aqueous outflow. However, clinically the flap should not be thinner than half the thickness of the sclera as this may result in hypotony.
These simulations indicate that the optimal flow rate through operation site will be achieved in trabeculectomy using a square scleral flap with a large flap-to-sclerostomy ratio.
The British journal of ophthalmology 09/2011; 96(3):432-7. · 2.92 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A parametric study to investigate the compressive and the shear stress distributions for various edge shapes created during penetrating keratoplasty (PK) using femtosecond laser is reported. The finite element analysis has been implemented using ABAQUS to study the cornea with various edge shapes, namely the standard edge shape, the zigzag edge shape, the top hat edge shape and the mushroom edge shape for PK. The ratio of maximum compressive stress to maximum shear stress is used as the main factor to assess the relative merits of wound healing rate for different edge shapes. For the typical values of tissue mechanical properties, the zigzag edge shape has the highest ratio of maximum compressive stress to maximum shear stress (11.1 in the xy-direction and 3.7 in the yz-direction), followed by the mushroom edge shape (7.7 in the xy-direction and 3.2 in the yz-direction). The ratios for the top hat and the standard edge shapes are even lower in both directions. A sensitivity analysis of the model has been done to demonstrate that the zigzag edge shape always results in the highest ratios of stresses regardless of the difference in the tissue mechanical properties. The zigzag edge shape also gives the lowest dioptric power D = 45.4. The present results imply that the zigzag edge shape provides the best wound healing rate and optical outcome among the four edge shapes models for PK.
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 05/2011; 15(10):1071-9. · 0.85 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Settlement inhibition of barnacle (Amphibalanus amphitrite) cypris larvae resulting from exposure to ultrasound was measured at three frequencies (23, 63, and 102 kHz), applied at three acoustic pressure levels (9, 15, and 22 kPa) for exposure times of 30, 150, and 300 s. The lowest settlement was observed for 23 kHz, which also induced the highest cyprid mortality. Cyprid settlement following exposure to 23 kHz at 22 kPa for 30 s was reduced by a factor of two. Observing surface exploration by the cyprids revealed an altered behaviour following exposure to ultrasound: step length was increased, while step duration, walking pace, and the fraction of cyprids exploring the surface were significantly reduced with respect to control cyprids. The basal area of juvenile barnacles, metamorphosed from ultrasound-treated cyprids was initially smaller than unexposed individuals, but normalised over two weeks' growth. Thus, ultrasound exposure effectively reduced cyprid settlement, yet metamorphosed barnacles grew normally.
Biofouling 02/2011; 27(2):185-92. · 4.43 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Nasal airflow is one of the most important determinants for nasal physiology. During the long evolution of human beings, different races have developed their own attributes of nasal morphologies which result in variations of nasal airflow patterns and nasal functions. This study evaluated and compared the effects of differences of nasal morphology among three healthy male subjects from Caucasian, Chinese and Indian ethnic groups on nasal airflow patterns using computational fluid dynamics simulation. By examining the anterior nasal airway, the nasal indices and the nostril shapes of the three subjects were found to be similar to nasal cavities of respective ethnic groups. Computed tomography images of these three subjects were obtained to reconstruct 3-dimensional models of nasal cavities. To retain the flow characteristics around the nasal vestibules, a 40 mm-radius semi sphere was assembled around the human face for the prescription of zero ambient gauge pressure. The results show that more airflow tends to pass through the middle passage of the nasal airway in the Caucasian model, and through the inferior portion in the Indian model. The Indian model was found with extremely low flow flux flowing through the olfactory region. The sizes of vortexes near the anterior cavity were found to be correlated with the angles between the upper nasal valve wall and the anterior head of the nasal cavity.
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology 01/2011; 175(1):62-9. · 2.24 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of nasal bone fractures on nasal aerodynamic flow patterns using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
A three-dimensional model of nasal cavity with a nasal bone fracture was constructed from computerized tomography (CT) scans of a patient with use of software Mimics 13.0 (The Materilize Group, Leuven, Belgium). CFD simulations were performed using Fluent 6.3 (ANSYS, Inc., Canonsburg, PA) with a turbulent flow model. Numerical results were presented with velocity, streamline, and pressure contour distributions in left and right nasal cavities and were compared with those of a healthy one. Possible outcomes on functional performances or patencies of the nose were also examined and discussed.
For the nose with a nasal bone fracture, distributions of velocity contours showed there was more airflow in the right nasal cavity than in the left one, especially for inspiration status. In the left cavity, the airflow was redirected irregularly and there were also more circulations with larger sizes, higher pressure jumps, and greater wall shear stresses. Flow partitioning in the right and left cavities was noticeable with a larger nasal resistance compared with the healthy one. When the inspirational flow rate was increased, pressure jump from the nostril to the nasopharynx increased faster.
The aerodynamic flow was redistributed greatly for the nose with a nasal bone fracture compared with the healthy one, which might affect local normal nasal functions. Such physical assessments of nasal airflow based on a model from the patients' CT scans may help clinicians determine the best treatment in advance.
American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy 01/2011; 25(1):e39-43.
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ABSTRACT: Aortic dissecting aneurysm is one of the most catastrophic cardiovascular emergencies that carries high mortality. It was pointed out from clinical observations that the aneurysm development is likely to be related to the hemodynamics condition of the dissected aorta. In order to gain more insight on the formation and progression of dissecting aneurysm, hemodynamic parameters including flow pattern, velocity distribution, aortic wall pressure and shear stress, which are difficult to measure in vivo, are evaluated using numerical simulations. Pulsatile blood flow in patient-specific dissecting aneurismal aortas before and after the formation of lumenal aneurysm (pre-aneurysm and post-aneurysm) is investigated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Realistic time-dependent boundary conditions are prescribed at various arteries of the complete aorta models. This study suggests the helical development of false lumen around true lumen may be related to the helical nature of hemodynamic flow in aorta. Narrowing of the aorta is responsible for the massive recirculation in the poststenosis region in the lumenal aneurysm development. High pressure difference of 0.21 kPa between true and false lumens in the pre-aneurismal aorta infers the possible lumenal aneurysm site in the descending aorta. It is also found that relatively high time-averaged wall shear stress (in the range of 4-8 kPa) may be associated with tear initiation and propagation. CFD modeling assists in medical planning by providing blood flow patterns, wall pressure and wall shear stress. This helps to understand various phenomena in the development of dissecting aneurysm.
Journal of biomechanics 01/2011; 44(5):827-36. · 2.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Intranasal medications are commonly used in treating nasal diseases. However, technical details of the correct usage of these medications for nasal cavity with obstruction are unclear.
A three-dimensional model of nasal cavity was constructed from MRI scans of a healthy human subject. Nasal cavities corresponding to healthy, moderate, and severe nasal obstruction (NO) were simulated by enlarging the inferior turbinate geometrically, which was documented by approximately one-third reduction of the minimum cross-sectional area for the moderate and two-thirds for the severe obstruction. The discrete phase model based on steady-state computational fluid dynamics was used to study the gas-particle flow. The results were presented with drug particle (from 7 x 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁷ m) deposition distribution along the lateral walls inside these three nasal cavities, and comparisons of the particle ratio escaping from the cavity were also presented and discussed.
Nasal patency is an essential condition that had the most impact on particle deposition of the factors studied; the particle percentage escaping the nasal cavity decreased to less than a half and one-tenth for the moderately and severely blocked noses. Decreasing of flow rate and particle diameter increased the escaping ratio; however, zero escaping percentage was detected with the absence of air flow and the effect was less noticeable when the particle diameter was very small (<10⁻⁶ m). The existence of inspiratory flow and head tilt angle helped to improve the particle escaping ratio for the healthy nose; however, such changes were not significant for the moderately and severely blocked noses.
When using an intranasal medication, it is advisable to have a moderate inspiratory air-flow rate and small size particles to improve particle escaping ratio. Various head positions suggested by clinicians do not seem to improve the drug escaping ratio significantly for the nasal cavities with inferior turbinate hypertrophy.
Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery 10/2010; 23(5):329-38. · 2.20 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Injury to the nasal septum is commonly found in most nasal fractures. The nasal septum deforms and crumples, leading to nasal deviation and internal nasal obstruction.
This study aims to identify the main areas of high stress concentration when a dynamic anteroposterior load is applied to the nasal tip, simulating nasal trauma. We wish to determine if the nasal septum acts as a crumpled zone, and deforms significantly during nasal trauma.
An idealized and a patient-specified finite element model have been generated for the present study. Several models with various combinations of narrower angle at the Vomer Ethmoidal Junction (VEJ) are also constructed from this septum model. Finite element analyses are carried out to determine the deformation and stress distribution in the nasal septum when a dynamic anteroposterior load is applied to the nasal tip.
The maximum stress areas in the nasal septum are in the vicinity of the bony-cartilaginous (BC) junction and the anterior nasal spine (ANS), which are consistent with clinical experience. A larger anteroposterior load, a longer loading duration, and a more acute VEJ angle would result in higher maximum stresses. The observations were identical in both idealized and patient-specific models. The findings of this analysis also suggest that the septum does function as a crumpled zone, absorbing a significant amount of stress before it is transmitted to the skull.
The Laryngoscope 10/2010; 120(10):1931-9. · 1.75 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inferior turbinate surgery on nasal airway heating capacity using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
Heat transfer simulations were performed for a normal nasal cavity and others with severely enlarged inferior turbinates, before and after three simulated surgical procedures: (1) resection of the lower third free edge of the inferior turbinate, (2) excision of the head of the inferior turbinate, and (3) radical inferior turbinate resection. The models were run with three different environmental temperatures.
The changes of airflow pattern with the reduction of inferior turbinate affected heat transfer greatly. However, the distribution of wall heat flux showed that the main location for heat exchange was still the anterior region. Under the cold environment, the nasal cavities with the head of inferior turbinate reduction were capable of heating the inspired air to 98.40% of that of the healthy one; however, for the case with lower third of inferior turbinate excised, the temperature was 11.65% lower and for the case with radical inferior turbinate resection, 18.27% lower temperature compared with the healthy nasal cavity.
The healthy nasal cavity is able to warm up or cool down the inspiratory airflow under different environmental temperature conditions; for the nasal cavities with turbinate surgeries, partial inferior turbinate reduction can still sustain such heating capacity. However, too much or total turbinate resection may impair the normal function of temperature adjustment by nasal mucosa.
American Journal of Rhinology and Allergy 09/2010; 24(5):e118-22.
