Negative pressure and sudden pressure drops cause a suction force on the walls of the airway, which can lead to collapse or narrowing of the airways (i.e. apneas, hypopneas and RERAs). Negative pressure is correlated with effort to breathe and overall airflow resistance.
Velocity increases where there are constrictions in the airway and indicate potential obstructions of the airway.
Pressure values can be either projected onto the walls of the airway, or mapped as here along a chosen slice of the airway.
Negative pressure and sudden pressure drops cause a suction force on the walls of the airway, which can lead to collapse or narrowing of the airways (i.e. apneas, hypopneas and RERAs). Negative pressure is correlated with effort to breathe and overall airflow resistance.
CFD Airflow Analysis
This service came out of my own decades-long struggle with Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS), which is a particularly difficult form of sleep-disordered breathing. After 9 surgeries and many failed devices, medications, and interventions, I realized that traditional diagnostics weren't telling me the whole story. I needed more data and information. CFD turned out to be extremely helpful, and I'm now offering this to anyone who is looking for the same.
Advanced computational modeling using industry-leading software
I work with expert engineers to employ models we've developed and tested over the past two years and which build on decades of methodologies developed in CFD applications. We use Ansys, the leading provider worldwide of CFD software, making the simulations highly precise.
Tailored to your anatomy
Each simulation is done on your custom made, anatomically precise 3-d model to show how air flows through your upper airways. In each case, we focus on the most important and relevant analyses in your case.
Answers and solutions
The data and visualizations coming out of the analyses allow us to objectively evaluate nasal breathing and the locations and magnitude of constrictions in the pharyngeal airway. We can then weigh their potential relative contributions to work of breathing. With more research we hope to be able to apply CFD to other areas including empty nose syndrome.
The Process
We create your 3D model and deliver airflow analysis in 2-3 days which allows you to quickly get additional insight into your breathing and to discuss with your doctor. In each case, we offer an online consultation to discuss the findings.
Step 1
Create a 3D model of your airway
Using your CBCT scan (a special type of X-ray your doctor may already use), we carefully map and segment your upper airway into a detailed 3D model. This gives us a clear, accurate representation of your anatomy.
Step 2
Simulate how air flows
With the 3D model, we run a customized airflow analysis — called computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This shows how air actually moves through your airway while you breathe, highlighting any areas where it may be restricted.
Step 3
Summarize the findings
We collect the results — both visuals and data — into an easy-to-understand presentation. This includes color-coded images and airflow maps that make the science more intuitive.
Step 4
Actionable insights for your review
We'll review the results in depth over a full hour. The model becomes a tool to help guide your conversations, making complex airway function easier to understand and discuss.
