Deviated nasal septum hinders intranasal sprays: a computer simulation study.
Published
Journal Article
BACKGROUND: This study investigates how deviated nasal septum affects the quantity and distribution of spray particles, and examines the effects of inspiratory airflow and head position on particle transport. METHODS: Deposition of spray particles was analysed using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model created from a computed tomography scan of a human nose with leftward septal deviation and a right inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Five simulations were conducted using FluentTM software, with particle sizes ranging from 20-110 μm, a spray speed of 3 m/s, plume angle of 68(deg), and with steady state inspiratory airflow either present (15.7 L/min) or absent at varying head positions. RESULTS: With inspiratory airflow present, posterior deposition on the obstructed side was approximately four times less than the contralateral side, regardless of head position, and was statistically significant. When airflow was absent, predicted deposition beyond the nasal valve on the left and right sides were between 16% and 69% lower and positively influenced by a dependent head position. CONCLUSION: Simulations predicted that septal deviation significantly diminished drug delivery on the obstructed side. Furthermore, increased particle penetration was associated with presence of nasal airflow. Head position is an important factor in particle deposition patterns when inspiratory airflow is absent.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Frank, DO; Kimbell, JS; Cannon, D; Pawar, SS; Rhee, JS
Published Date
- September 2012
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 50 / 3
Start / End Page
- 311 - 318
PubMed ID
- 22888490
Pubmed Central ID
- 22888490
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0300-0729
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.4193/Rhino12.053
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- Netherlands