Computational fluid dynamics assessed changes of nasal airflow after inferior turbinate surgery

Objective: To demonstrate how Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations can reveal important airflow changes in the nasal cavities due to surgical interventions. Material and methods: The steady inspiratory airflow of eight patients was studied pre- and postoperatively with heat transfer from the mucous membrane by performing CFD calculations to patient specific cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Eight patients with the largest distance from pre- and postoperative mean changes in inferior turbinate volumetry and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) results were selected. Results: Calculated CFD heat transfer results from the anterior parts of the inferior turbinates, where surgical interventions were performed, decreased significantly. The heat transfer results were in line with VAS changes. Conclusion: Surgical interventions reduced heat transfer in the operated parts of the inferior turbinates and were in line with VAS changes. CFD is an option in assessing patient well-being as a function of airflow parameters from mucous membrane with larger data sets. The limitations of the study were the small sample size and the preliminary nature of the study.