Correcting for the Bernoulli effect in lateral pressure measurements

Measurement of airway pressure is essential in the study of respiratory mechanics, and is usually done via a lateral tap in the conduit (e.g., endotracheal tube, cannula, or mouthpiece) leading into the subject's airway. Such pressure measurements, however, may be severely affected by the Bernoulli effect if the diameter of the conduit is small and the gas flow through it sufficiently high. We present in this note a simple method of assessing whether or not the Bernoulli effect is important in any particular situation. The technique involves comparing the pressure-flow relationships of the conduit obtained both by blowing air through it from one end and sucking air in the reverse direction by applying negative pressure at the same end. If the resistance of the conduit is the same for gas flow in both directions, then half the magnitude of the difference between the two pressure-flow relationships gives the magnitude of the Bernoulli effect pressure. We give results of an experimental situation in which this was the case. We also show that those conditions under which the Bernoulli effect is likely to be a problem are also those under which the velocity profile is likely to be approximately flat, thereby permitting the magnitude of the Bernoulli effect to be easily calculated.