...
The objective of this research is to use the ANSYS FLUENT CFD software to
better predict the functional outcome of rhinoplasty and aid in selection of
the best possible surgical procedure based on a patient's patient’s individual
anatomy. 3D meshes created from CAT scans and MRI data will be deformed in
ANSYS FLUENT to mimic surgical changes. CFD simulations will then be run to
model aspects of the nasal airway post this "virtual “virtual surgery."”
In addition to virtual surgery using CFD, Drs Kellman and Villwock will be
performing actual surgery on cadavers. Since cadavers do not heal and
post-surgical scarring is a non-issue, multiple surgical procedures - – from
least invasive to most invasive - – will be performed on the same specimen.
CAT scans will be obtained pre- and post-surgery. CFD will again be used to
model changes in the nasal airway. We will also correlate CFD data with
objective data from the cadavers using acoustic rhinometry and/or
rhinomanometry.