Inhalation and deposition of spherical and pollen particles after middle turbinate resection in a human nasal cavity

TL;DR

This study uses computational modeling to analyze how middle turbinate resection alters particle deposition patterns in the nasal cavity, revealing increased deposition in certain regions and implications for inhalation of pollutants like pollen.

Contribution

It introduces a virtual surgical model to compare pre- and post-operative nasal cavity airflow and particle deposition, highlighting anatomical impacts on inhalation of spherical and non-spherical particles.

Findings

Increased particle deposition in the less patent cavity side post-surgery.

Deposition mainly driven by inertial impaction and gravity.

Higher flow rate (15 L/min) increases particle deposition.

Abstract

Middle turbinate resection significantly alters the anatomy and redistributes the inhaled air. The superior half of the main nasal cavity is opened up, increasing accessibility to the region. This is expected to increase inhalation dosimetry to the region during exposure to airborne particles. This study investigated the influence of middle turbinate resection on the deposition of inhaled pollutants that cover spherical and non-spherical particles (e.g. pollen). A computational model of the nasal cavity from CT scans, and its corresponding post-operative model with virtual surgery performed was created. Two constant flow rates of 5_L/min, and 15_L/min were simulated under a laminar flow field. Inhaled particles including pollen (non-spherical), and a spherical particle with reference density of 1000 kg/m3 were introduced in the surrounding atmosphere. The effect of surgery was most prominent in the less patent cavity side, since the change in anatomy was proportionally greater relative to the original airway space. The left cavity produced an increase in particle deposition at a flow rate of 15_L/min. The main particle deposition mechanisms were inertial impaction, and to a lesser degree gravitational sedimentation. The results are expected to provide insight into inhalation efficiency of different aerosol types, and the likelihood of deposition in different nasal cavity surfaces.