Computational Modeling of Nasal Drug Delivery Using Different Intranasal Corticosteroid Sprays for the Treatment of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Abstract

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common otolaryngologic condition associated with decreased quality of life. The first-line treatment of ETD is intranasal corticosteroid sprays (INCS). Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to study particle deposition on the Eustachian tube (ET) using two commercial INCS (Flonase and Sensimist). Simulations also considered the effects of nostril side, insertion depth, insertion angle, cone spray angle, inhaling rates, wall impingement treatment, and fluid film. Flonase and Sensimist produced different particle size distributions and sizes. Sensimist droplets are smaller, less sensitive to asymmetry in nostrils anatomy and variation in insertion angle, and therefore can reach the posterior nasopharynx more readily. Flonase produces larger particles with greater inertia. Its particles deposition is more sensitive to intrasubject variation in nasal anatomy and insertion angles. The particle deposition on the ET was sensitive to the wall impingement model. The deposition on the ET was insignificant with adherence only <0.15% but increased up to 1–4% when including additional outcomes rebound and splash effects when droplets impact with the wall. The dose redistribution with the fluid film is significant but plays a secondary effect on the ET deposition. Flonase aligned parallel with the hard palate produced 4% deposition efficiency on the ET, but this decreased <0.14% at the higher insertion angle. INCS with larger droplet sizes with a small insertion angle may be more effective at targeting droplet deposition on the ET opening.