CFD Simulation of Magnetically Guided Drug Delivery to Human Frontal Sinuses

  • Zarei, Kavan (Adelaide University)
  • Vreugde, Sarah (Adelaide University)
  • Robertson, William SP (Adelaide University)
  • Wormald, Peter-John (Adelaide University)
  • Pourmehran, Oveis (Adelaide University)

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Introduction Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a long-term inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucosa, affecting about 10% of the global population [1]. Due to the complex anatomy and physiological characteristics of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, CRS is particularly difficult to treat [2]. Even following surgical interventions such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), many existing drug delivery devices are unable to deliver sufficient therapeutic doses to anatomically challenging sinuses, especially the frontal sinuses [3]. This limited drug penetration reduces treatment efficacy and often contributes to persistent or recurrent disease, highlighting the need for advanced and more precisely targeted drug delivery strategies [4]. Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges [5]. MDT employs externally applied magnetic fields to guide and localise drug aerosols containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) at specific anatomical sites, thereby enhancing targeted delivery while potentially reducing systemic exposure [6]. Aim This study investigates the feasibility of using MDT to direct MNP-laden droplets into hard-to-reach paranasal sinuses, with particular emphasis on the frontal sinuses (Figure 1.a). Method Patient specific post-operative nasal and sinus geometries were reconstructed from high-resolution computed tomography images using 3D Slicer®, Meshmixer®, and Ansys SpaceClaim®. Mesh independence and numerical validation studies were performed prior to comparative simulations. Airflow and particle transport were modelled using a pressure-based solver, with particle dynamics resolved through the Euler–Lagrange framework incorporating two-way fluid–particle coupling. Deposition outcomes were evaluated for both conventional and MDT-assisted delivery cases. Results Preliminary findings demonstrate that applying a magnetic field generated by a current-carrying wire significantly enhances Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle deposition within the frontal sinuses. The application of the magnetic field led to a marked enhancement in MNP accumulation, yielding approximately a 15-fold increase in deposited mass in the frontal sinus right and a 17-fold increase in the frontal sinus left compared to cases without magnetic assistance (Figure 1.b).