Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) in Thai patient with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) - A case report: Comparative study between healthy and OSA subject

In order to investigate flow characteristics in upper airway, this study focuses on applied Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) base on Computed Tomography images. OSAS has been remarked in the several decades because of its disturbance and severity that leading to a serious morbidity and excess mortality in long-term consequences such as heart attack and strokes. Although numerous methods have been advocated for treatment an OSA syndrome, no single procedure employed effectively. To investigate the airflow behavior, three-dimensional airway models during tidal breathing has been performed in a patient with obstructive sleep apnea and one control. Segmentation was carried out from CT data initially. Then, the volumetric surface was performed by reverse engineering process and mesh generation was operated after that. Computational modeling for inspiration was operated by employing k-ω SST turbulence model. For comparison the airflow characteristics, streamline, velocity, pressure, and wall shear stress either of models were illustrated. For patient associated with OSA, Particularly in oropharynx region, velocity significantly increase and negative pressure greater than the control one because of narrower airway. Furthermore, WSS manifestly rises up in stricture area. In brief, The CFD analysis could be employed to evaluate the airflow in OSA patients as an alternative technique for diagnosis and treatment planning.