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Computational fluid dynamic modeling of nose‐to‐ceiling head positioning for sphenoid sinus irrigation
Author(s) -
Craig John R.,
Palmer James N.,
Zhao Kai
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international forum of allergy and rhinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.503
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 2042-6984
pISSN - 2042-6976
DOI - 10.1002/alr.21908
Subject(s) - medicine , nose , sinus (botany) , nasal cavity , maxillary sinus , anatomy , surgery , botany , biology , genus
Background After sinus surgery, patients are commonly instructed to irrigate with saline irrigations with their heads over a sink and noses directed inferiorly (nose‐to‐floor). Although irrigations can penetrate the sinuses in this head position, no study has assessed whether sphenoid sinus penetration can be improved by irrigating with the nose directed superiorly (nose‐to‐ceiling). The purpose of this study was to use a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of sinus irrigations to assess the difference in sphenoid sinus delivery of irrigations after irrigating in a nose‐to‐floor vs nose‐to‐ceiling head position. Methods Bilateral maxillary antrostomies, total ethmoidectomies, wide sphenoidotomies, and a Draf III frontal sinusotomy were performed on a single fresh cadaver head. CFD models were created from postoperative computed tomography maxillofacial scans. CFD modeling software was used to simulate a 120‐mL irrigation to the left nasal cavity with the following parameters: flow rate 30 mL/second, angle of irrigation 20 degrees to the nasal floor, and either nose‐to‐floor or nose‐to‐ceiling head positioning. Results In the postoperative CFD models, the sphenoid sinuses were completely penetrated by the irrigation while in a nose‐to‐ceiling head position. However, no sphenoid sinus penetration occurred in the nose‐to‐floor position. Other sinuses were similarly penetrated in both head positions, although the ipsilateral maxillary sinus was less penetrated in the nose‐to‐ceiling position. Conclusion CFD modeling demonstrated that the nose‐to‐ceiling head position was superior to the nose‐to‐floor position in delivering a 120‐mL irrigation to the sphenoid sinuses.