Resonator properties of paranasal sinuses : preliminary results of an anatomical study

• Background: The contribution of the nasal and paranasal cavities to vocal tract resonator properties is unclear as are voice effects of sinus surgery. Here we investigate resonance phenomena of paranasal sinuses with and without selective occlusion of the middle meatus and maxillary ostium in a cadaver. Methodology: Nasal and paranasal cavities of a Thiel-embalmed cadaver were excited by sine-tone sweeps from an earphone in the epipharynx.The response was picked up by a microphone at the nostrils. Different conditions with blocked and unblocked middle meatus were tested. Additionally, infundibulotomy was performed allowing direct access to and selective occlusion of the maxillary ostium. Results: Responses showed high reproducibility. Minor effects appeared after removal of meatal occlusion. A marked low frequency dip was detected after removal of occlusion of maxillary ostium following infundibulotomy. Conclusion: Reproducible frequency responses of nasal tract can be derived from cadaver measurements. Marked acoustic effects of the maxillary sinus appeared only after direct exposure of the maxillary ostium following infundibulotomy.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Oto-rhino-laryngologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Otorhinolaryngology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

resonance

nasal tract

paranasal sinuses

cadaveric study

functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)