What is the purpose of a Blakemore tube?

The Sengstaken-Blakemore (SB)tube is a red tube used to stop or slow bleeding from the esophagus and stomach. The bleeding is typically caused by gastric or esophageal varices, which are veins that have swollen from obstructed blood flow.

How does Sengstaken-Blakemore tube work?

Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is a 3 lumen tube- one lumen to inflate gastric balloon, a second lumen to inflate oesophageal balloon and a third lumen to aspirate gastric contents. There is no oesophageal suction port. This causes saliva to pool in the oesophagus and thus put patients at risk of aspiration.

How long can a Blakemore tube stay in?

Once the tube is satisfactorily positioned, it is generally left in place for 24 hours. If bleeding recurs, the gastric balloon and, if necessary, the esophageal balloon may be reinflated for an additional 24 hours.

What is varices of the esophagus?

Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus. They’re often due to obstructed blood flow through the portal vein, which carries blood from the intestine, pancreas and spleen to the liver. Esophageal varices are abnormal, enlarged veins in the tube that connects the throat and stomach (esophagus).

When would you use a Levin tube?

Used for the aspiration of gastric and intestinal contents and administration of tube feedings or medications. Permanent markers 18″, 22″, and 30″ from distal tip help with proper placement. Single-use, non-sterile.

Are Blakemore tubes still used?

The use of the tube was originally described in 1950, although similar approaches to bleeding varices were described by Westphal in 1930. With the advent of modern endoscopic techniques which can rapidly and definitively control variceal bleeding, Sengstaken–Blakemore tubes are rarely used at present.

Can esophageal varices be cured?

Currently, no treatment can prevent the development of esophageal varices in people with cirrhosis. While beta blocker drugs are effective in preventing bleeding in many people who have esophageal varices, they don’t prevent esophageal varices from forming.

What is the placement of a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube?

Sengstaken-Blakemore (SB) tube placement involves the insertion of an SB tube either through the nose or mouth to slow or stop bleeding from the esophagus or stomach caused due to varices. When should be the placement of a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube avoided? Undergone a recent surgery of the esophageal and stomach muscles.

When are Sengstaken–Blakemore tubes used in the treatment of varices?

Generally, Sengstaken–Blakemore tubes and Minnesota tubes are used only in emergencies where bleeding from presumed varices is impossible to control with medication alone.

What is the mortality and morbidity associated with Sengstaken-Blakemore tube?

Among 50 patients who achieved bleeding control with Sengstaken-Blakemore tube, 11 had rebleeding. Esophageal perforation was encountered in four patients. The overall mortality rate within 30 days was 42.4\%, but overall mortality rate in the 50 patients who achieved initial control was 24.0\%.

What factors influence initial hemostasis with Sengstaken-Blakemore tube insertion?

Lower Child-Pugh score and non-intubated state before Sengstaken-Blakemore tube insertion were independent factors for initial hemostasis with Sengstaken-Blakemore tube.