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    Measurement, reconstruction and flow-field computation of the human pharynx with application to sleep apnea

    Access Status
    Fulltext not available
    Authors
    Lucey, Anthony
    King, Andrew
    Tetlow, G.
    Wang, Jian De
    Armstrong, J.
    Leigh, M.
    Paduch, A.
    Walsh, J.
    Sampson, D.
    Eastwood, P.
    Hillman, D.
    Date
    2010
    Type
    Journal Article
    
    Metadata
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    Citation
    Lucey, A. D. and King, A. J. C. and Tetlow, G. A. and Wang, J. and Armstrong, J.J. and Leigh, M. S. and Paduch, A. and Walsh, J. H. and Sampson, D. D. and Eastwood, P. R. and Hillman, D. R. 2010. Measurement, reconstruction and flow-field computation of the human pharynx with application to sleep apnea. IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. 57 (10): pp. 2535-2548.
    Source Title
    IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering
    DOI
    10.1109/TBME.2010.2052808
    ISSN
    0018-9294
    School
    Department of Mechanical Engineering
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/40359
    Collection
    • Curtin Research Publications
    Abstract

    Repetitive closure of the upper airway characterizes obstructive sleep apnea. It disrupts sleep causing excessive daytime drowsiness and is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Previous studies simulating the underlying fluid mechanics are based upon geometries, time-averaged over the respiratory cycle, obtained usually via MRI or CT scans. Here, we generate an anatomically correct geometry from data captured in vivo by an endoscopic optical technique. This allows quantitative real-time imaging of the internal cross section with minimal invasiveness. The steady inhalation flow field is computed using a k-ω shear-stress transport (SST) turbulence model. Simulations reveal flow mechanisms that produce low-pressure regions on the sidewalls of the pharynx and on the soft palate within the pharyngeal section of minimum area. Soft-palate displacement and side-wall deformations further reduce the pressures in these regions, thus creating forces that would tend to narrow the airway. These phenomena suggest a mechanism for airway closure in the lateral direction as clinically observed. Correlations between pressure and airway deformation indicate that quantitative prediction of the low-pressure regions for an individual are possible. The present predictions warrant and can guide clinical investigation to confirm the phenomenology and its quantification, while the overall approach represents an advancement toward patient-specific modeling.

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