Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of Wall Shear Stress and Pressure Distribution from a Neti Pot During Nasal Saline Irrigation

Purpose Nasal irrigation is the process of passing the saline solution through the nasal passages which is frequently used in the management of the inflammatory nasal and paranasal disease. This paper aims to investigate wide range of head positions on nasal saline irrigation using Computation fluid dynamics model to show the wall shear stress and pressure of the irrigant. Methods The geometry of the nasal cavity and maxillary sinuses obtained from a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of a healthy male without any nasal abnormality. Pressure and the mucosal wall shear stress have been mapped during nasal saline irrigation from a Neti Pot using CFD simulations at four different head positions. Results The wall shear stress was highest in regions including the turbinates and nasal valve for most of the head positions and inlet side directions. All head positions and side irrigations, the mucosal wall shear stress at the left congested side is higher than at the right patent side. Also, the saline pressure at the side of irrigation is higher than at the contralateral side of irrigation. Conclusion The results from this study show that changing the user condition will affect the efficacy of the nasal saline irrigation treatment.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of different head positions on nasal saline irrigation using a Computational fluid dynamics model, finding that wall shear stress is highest in regions including the turbinates and nasal valve. The saline pressure at the side of irrigation is higher than at the contralateral side of irrigation.