Plastinated Nasal Model: a New Concept of Anatomically Realistic Cast

Background: For many years, researchers have been interested in investigating airflow and aerosol deposition in the nasal cavities. The nasal airways appear to be a complex geometrical system. Thus, in vitro experimental studies are frequently conducted with a more or less biomimetic nasal replica.

Aim: This study is devoted to the development of an anatomically realistic nose model with bilateral nasal cavities, i.e. nasal anatomy, airway geometry and aerodynamic properties as close as possible to in vivo behaviour.

Methods: A specific plastination technique of cephalic extremities was developed by the Anatomy Laboratory at the Saint-Etienne University in the last 10 years. The plastinated models obtained were anatomically, geometrically and aerodynamically validated using several techniques (endoscopy, CT scans, acoustic rhinometry and rhinomanometry).

Results: Our plastination model exhibited a high level of anatomic quality, including a very good mucosa preservation. Aerodynamical and geometrical investigations highlighted a global behaviour of plastinated models perfectly in accordance with a nasal decongested healthy subject.

Conclusions: The present plastination model provides a realistic cast of nasal airways, and may be a useful tool for nasal flow, drug delivery and aerosol deposition studies.