Changes in the perilymphatic fluid pressure in the oval window can be elevated by bilateral jugular vein compression. This was demonstrated experimentally using monkeys.
We have also demonstrated on patients who are suspected of having a poststapedectomy perilymphatic fistula, which is not easily seen during surgical exploration, that compression of both jugular veins will cause a "welling up" of the perilymphatic fluid from the vestibule, thus demonstrating the fistula. This test has proven to be a simple, practical, and useful tool in helping to establish the diagnosis of a fistula.