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Inspiratory flow in the nose: a model coupling flow and vasoerectile tissue distensibility

¹Physiopathologie et Thérapeutique Respiratoires INSERM UMR 492, and ²Service d'ORL et de Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Centre Hospitalier Inter-Communal de Créteil, Créteil; ³Centre de Recherche Claude Delorme, Air Liquide, Jouy en Josas; and ⁴Service de Physiologie-Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France

Submitted 18 June 2004 ; accepted in final form 26 August 2004

We have developed a discrete multisegmental model describing the coupling between inspiratory flow and nasal wall distensibility. This model is composed of 14 individualized compliant elements, each with its own relationship between cross-sectional area and transmural pressure. Conceptually, this model is based on flow limitation induced by the narrowing of duct due to collapsing pressure. For a given inspiratory pressure and for a given compliance distribution, this model predicts the area profile and inspiratory flow. Acoustic rhinometry and posterior rhinomanometry were used to determine the initial geometric area and mechanical characteristics of each element. The proposed model, used under steady-state conditions, is able to simulate the pressure-flow relationship observed in vivo under normal conditions (4 subjects) and under pathological conditions (4 vasomotor rhinitis and 3 valve syndrome subjects). Our results suggest that nasal wall compliance is an essential parameter to understand the nasal inspiratory flow limitation phenomenon and the associated increase of resistance that is well known to physiologists. By predicting the functional pressure-flow relationship, this model could be a useful tool for the clinician to evaluate the potential effects of treatments.

acoustic rhinometry; nasal physiology; nasal wall compliance; fluid-structure coupling

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J.-F. Papon, L. Brugel-Ribere, R. Fodil, C. Croce, C. Larger, M. Rugina, A. Coste, D. Isabey, F. Zerah-Lancner, and B. Louis Nasal wall compliance in vasomotor rhinitis J Appl Physiol, January 1, 2006; 100(1): 107 - 111. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]