Pitot Tube Sensor Probe System for Simultaneous Airflow and Pressure Measurement of Expiration Inside Pulmonary Airway

Abstract

Respiratory diseases, including the cronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are among the leading causes of death worldwide. To date, there is no physical examination procedure that can quantify important parameters within a specific lesion area inside the lung. In this study, we propose a novel sensor probe system consisting of a basket forceps and 2 pressure sensors to simultaneously measure the expiratory airflow and the static pressure inside the pulmonary airway. A Pitot tube mechanism using 2 pressure sensors is introduced in the system for measuring both the physical quantities. Small fiber‐optic pressure sensors with 0.3 mm diameter were utilized, and both the airflow rate and the static pressure characteristics were evaluated for obtaining the calibration curves. Finally, the proposed sensor system was implemented to measure both the airflow and pressure in an artificial ventilator and an experimental animal. The measurement of expired airflow and static pressure inside the airway of a rat with the diameter of 1.8 mm were demonstrated. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.