Medical
Center in
Columbus
are exploring
whether a
computer
program
based on
fluid dynam-
ics — used
for years in
the aerody-
namic indus-
try — could simulate a patient's airflow so doctors could better under-
stand the physiology underlying nasal function and, in turn, nasal
symptoms.
"Using the 3D model would reveal the anatomical variations found
in individual patients in order to maximize surgical outcomes," says
Alex Farag, MD. "You'd be able to assess which treatments or surgical
approaches would work best, and you might even be able to predict
outcomes."
When people complain of sinus-related symptoms, there's a lot of
overlap between several disease processes, points out Dr. Farag. "A
headache could be caused by really bad septum deviation, sinus issues
or a migraine disorder," he says. "If you're better able to define the dis-
ease, you're better able to find out exactly what's going on and treat it."
The 3D modeling technology is a more individualized CT scan for
refining treatment plans, says Dr. Farag, who adds there's no worse
feeling than performing surgery on a patient that should have worked,
but didn't.
9 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U N E 2 0 1 6
• MODEL APPROACH Ohio State University otolaryngologist Alex Farag, MD, helped develop 3D fluid dynamics software
that lets surgeons run delicate sinus surgeries and see results before they go into the OR.
OSU
Wexner
Medical
Center
