Aerodynamic evaluation of the empty nose syndrome by means of computational fluid dynamics |
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Authors: | Boris V. Balakin Erlend Farbu Pawel Kosinski |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Mechanical and Marine Engineering, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway;2. Department of Thermal Physics, National Nuclear Research University MEPhI, Moscow, Russia;3. Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway |
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Abstract: | The potential outcome of a surgical enlargement of internal nasal channels may be a complication of nasal breathing termed the Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). ENS pathophysiology is not entirely understood because the expansion of air pathways would in theory ease inhalation. The present contribution is aimed at defining the biophysical markers responsible for ENS. Our study, conducted in silico, compares nasal aerodynamics in pre- and post-operative geometries acquired by means of computer tomography from the same individual. In this article, we elucidate and analyse the deviation of airflow patterns and nasal microclimate from the healthy benchmarks. The analysis reveals 53% reduction in flow resistance, radical re-distribution of nasal airflow, as well as dryer and colder nasal microclimate for the post-operative case. |
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Keywords: | Empty nose syndrome (ENS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computer tomography (CT) aerodynamics thermal comfort |
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