Nasal septal deviations (NSD) have been categorized into 7 types. The effect of these different deviations on airflow pattern and warming function has not been fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to utilize a computational fluid dynamics approach to assess the impact of NSD of varying types on nasal airflow and warming function. Patients with each type of NSD were enrolled in the study, and a normal participant as the control. Using a computational fluid dynamics approach, modeling of nasal function was performed. Indices of nasal function including airflow redistribution, total nasal resistance, airflow velocity, and airflow temperature were determined. Among all types of NSD, the maximal velocity and total nasal resistance were markedly higher in type 4 and 7 deviations. The flow partition and velocity distribution were also altered in type 4 and 7 as well as type 2 and 6 deviations. Airflow in all categories of NSD was fully warmed to a similar degree. From a computational aerodynamics perspective, the type of septal deviation may contribute to altered airflow characteristics. However, warming function was similar between septal deviation types. Future studies will help to ascertain the functional importance of septal deviation types and the applicability of these computational studies.
Keywords: airflow pattern; computational fluid dynamics; nasal septal deviation; warming function.