The inspiratory and expiratory flow in distensible tracheostenosis model

To identify the possible mechanism of wheeze generation in the tracheostenosis, we measured the inspiratory and expiratory flow in the realistic model reconstructed based on CT data of patient. Trachea consists of tracheal cartilage rings and smooth muscle, which influence the localized variation of distensibility of model airway. The localized variation of distensibility was achieved by the varied thickness of silicone rubber based on the elastic modulus measured for the pig airway. The Reynolds number was 1100, and both inspiratory and expiratory flow were disturbed by the stenosis. The turbulence intensity for the distensible model is moderated compared the rigid model.