Highlighting the Importance of Nasal Air Conditioning in Septoplasty Using Virtual Correction Tools: A Numerical Study

Nasal air conditioning of the inspired air is one of the primary functions of the upper airway. However, it can get significantly altered due to abnormal changes in the nasal anatomy. Understanding the alteration in nasal air conditioning in a non-invasive manner is essential for effective septoplasty planning. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate this alteration due to nasal septum deviation with the help of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Additionally, its relevance in septoplasty planning has been demonstrated using the virtual septoplasty technique. A patient-specific nasal cavity model having S-shaped deviation has been reconstructed using the CT scan images, which are virtually corrected to mimic septoplasty. The computational model is employed to investigate the alteration in airflow velocity, pressure drop, wall shear stress, relative humidity, and water mass fractions in deviated and virtually corrected cases. The insilico results demonstrate that deviated nasal septum (DNS) leads to asymmetric distribution of airflow velocity and water mass fractions, which becomes symmetric in both the cavities after the virtual septoplasty procedure. Additionally, there is an increase and decrease of relative humidity and pressure drop, respectively, in virtually corrected case that leads to delivery of saturated air to the lungs and ease in breathing.