Application of Computational Aerodynamics on the Risk Prediction of PM2.5 in Congenital Tracheal Stenosis

Abstract

PM 2.5 is one of the particulate pollutants in atmosphere. It refers to the matter size smaller than 2.5 μm. Long-term exposure can lead to health problems, especially to the respiratory system. Although many reports have been published on its harm, there are little researches focused on its risk prediction to the children with congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS). In the present study, we used the method of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of airflow with PM 2.5 in the trachea. The motion of airflow and the risk of PM2.5 were predicted in a normal tracheal model and a patient-specific CTS model, respectively. Compared with the tracheal aerodynamics and PM 2.5 distributions in the main airway, the potential risk of PM 2.5 to the CTS were disclosed. The results indicated that more deposited areas of PM2.5 were observed at the downstream of the trachea stenosis and the bronchus around the bridging bronchus were more likely affected by PM2.5. This implied that the trachea with CTS was more vulnerable and PM2.5 might aggravate the tracheal stenosis. The application of computational aerodynamic analysis could be used for the risk prediction of PM2.5 in CTS.