Computational fluid dynamics study of middle turbinectomy

Abstract

A computational fluid dynamics study has been carried out using a three-dimensional nasal cavity model reconstructed based on computed tomographic images of a healthy Malaysian adult nose. This normal model was then subjected to virtual removal of the middle turbinate from the left half of the nasal cavity. Navier-Stokes and continuity equations for steady airflow were solved numerically to examine inspiratory nasal airflow. The result of this turbinectomy was compared with the normal case. For a flow rate of 20L/min, the resistance obtained for normal and middle turbinate removal was 0.89 Pa-min/L, and 0.71 Pa-L/min respectively. Around 15.65% of the flow reached olfactory region when the middle turbinates were removed resulting in the increase in average velocity in the region by about 180%.