Supporting Treatment and Research into Airway Function, Sleep-disordered Breathing and Future Therapies
Our Mission
Our mission is to help deepen the understanding of airflow in the upper airways and sleep disordered breathing. We are dedicated to providing advanced visualization and modeling tools that uncover airflow patterns and trends that can inspire future innovations and help tailor current treatment in the study of sleep apnea and related conditions.
High-Fidelity Airflow Modeling with Ansys
We use the industry-leading Ansys simulation platform to perform high-fidelity CFD analysis of airflow in the upper airway.
Our models deliver precise, validated models that deliver new insights into respiratory biomechanics, airway research, and sleep disordered breathing.
Example applications can be found in simulating new treatments and surgical approaches; educating patients and clients; research into the fundamental mechanics of sleep disordered breathing; and tailoring or sequencing treatments.
Example Variables
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.
Example Applications
#1. Treatment pre- and post comparison
Pre-maxillary expansion
Higher pressure gradients throughout nasal cavity, indicating higher work of breathing
Higher pressure gradients
Jetting through constricted nasal passages and impaired sinus ventilation
Post-maxillary expansion
Pressure gradients drop throughout nasal cavity, reducing effort to breathe
Lower pressure gradients propagating into the naso-pharynx
Less jetting and improved sinus ventilation
#2. Nasal breathing analysis
#3. Empty Nose Syndrome and Nasal Patency Monitoring
Classify severity of obstruction
