Preparation of a Real Model of Nasal Cavities from Computed Tomography for Numerical Simulation

Abstract

With improves in computing hardware and CFD methods, it is possible to work with more complex geometries. The aim of this study is to describe the preparation and creation of a model from CT scans for a numerical study of air flow into the nasal cavities. Research background: The influence of pituitary tumor surgery on the change of geometric proportions of the nasal cavity is investigated in cooperation with the Neurosurgical Department. Purpose of the article: In pituitary tumor surgery, the nasal cavity is used as an access route to the Sella turcica where the pituitary gland is located. Geometric changes occur during surgery. These changes in the geometry of the nasal cavities affect the air flow into the nasal cavities and the sense of the smell of the operated patients. Methods: Based on CT scans of one patient, a procedure was created for creation of models of nasal cavities before and after surgery of pituitary tumor. The open-source software 3D Slicer was used for processing CT scans. Furthermore, the model before and after surgery was modified in CAD program Autodesk Inventor and program Ansys Space Claim. Meshing and subsequent solution of the finite volume method was solved in program Ansys Fluent 2021 R1. Findings & Value added: The models were created considering the anatomical structure of the cavities and were aligned into corresponding coordinate systems. Despite of the efforts to align the planes, inaccuracies occur between the planes. However, the results are comparable.

Keywords

• nasal cavity
• ct scans
• cfd
• numerical study
• adenomas