Prediction of Velopharyngeal Orific Area: A Re-Examination of Model Experimentation

Abstract

Warren has advanced a modification of the hydrokz'netie equation for predicting velopha-ryngeal orifice area (Warren and DuBois, 1964). In the present work, this equation was subjected to extensive controlled model experimentation. The results of this experimentation show that, given the pressure differential across the orifice and the rate of airflow through the orifice, accurate predictions can be made of the area of the velopharyngeal port. These results were interpreted to provide strong support for both clinical and research use of the hydrokinetic equation for predicting velopharyngeal orifice area.