Balloon tamponade for massive GI bleeding

(Redirected from Balloon tamponade)

Indications

  • Unstable patient with massive upper GI bleed and any of the following:
    • Inability to perform endoscopy
    • Endoscopy failed (e.g., cannot visualize source due to heavy bleeding)
    • Delay in endoscopy or GI consultation
    • Need to stabilize prior to transfer

Contraindications

  • Esophageal stricture
  • Recent esophageal or gastric surgery

Equipment Needed

Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube.png
Sengstaken-Blakemore.png
  • Balloon device
    • Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube
    • Minnesota Tube
  • 60 cc syringe
  • Padded(tape) kelly clamps
    • Used to clamp gastric and esophageal balloon ports to maintain precise pressure/volume
  • Manometer
  • 3-way connector device
  • NG tube (only for Sengstaken-Blakemore)
  • Kerlex
  • IV pole
  • 1 L bag IVF
  • May need Magill forceps for manoeuvring tube into the esophagus

Procedure

  1. Intubate patient
  2. Fully inflate and deflate each balloon using its respective port to check for leaks
  3. If using Sengstaken-Blakemore tube, secure NG tube to tamponade device with distal end of NG tube 3 cm proximal to esophageal balloon
  4. Use NG tube to measure 50 cm from top of gastric balloon on Sengstaken-Blakemore tube, and mark 'G'
  5. Use NG tube to measure 50 cm from top of esophageal balloon on Sengstaken-Blakemore tube, and mark 'E'
  6. Attach 3-way stopcocks to esophageal and gastric ports
  7. Insert tube orally (may need to use lubrication and Magill forceps) to > 50 cm
  8. Test for location in stomach by injecting air through the tube and auscultating at the epigastrium
  9. Inflate gastric balloon (port marked 'G') with 50 mL of air
  10. Confirm location of gastric balloon in the stomach using portable XR
  11. Completely fill gastric balloon
    • Sengstaken-Blakemore: 250-300cc
    • Minnesota: 450-500cc
    • Measure the pressure at each 100 mL increment
      • If pressure is >15mm Hg more than corresponding pre-insertion pressure deflate the balloon and advance further prior to filling gastric balloon
  12. Tie tube to casting sleeve/Kerlex attached to a 1L bag of normal saline, and hang bag over IV pole to provide 1 kg traction
  13. Attach esophageal and gastric aspiration ports to suction
  14. If bleeding continues, inflate the esophageal balloon
    • Inflate to 20-40 mm Hg (use manometer to test pressure)
    • Do not inflate more than 45 mm Hg

Complications

  • Due to misplaced balloon, migration, overinflation, prolonged use
    • Mucosal ulceration
    • Aspiration
    • Airway or large vessel obstruction
    • Esophageal rupture

See Also

Gastrointestinal Bleeding Pages

External Links

References