Oesophageal Sengstaken : A Life-Saving Solution for Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding
The Oesophageal Sengstaken tube, manufactured by Hospi Line, is a critical medical device used in the management of acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, especially in patients suffering from esophageal varices. This specialized device, also known as the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube, is designed to provide rapid and effective hemostasis in cases of severe gastric bleeding.
What is the Sengstaken-Blakemore Tube?
The Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is a type of endoscopic tube that plays a pivotal role in stabilizing patients who are at risk of life-threatening complications from acute upper GI bleeding. It consists of a balloon system that is inflated within the esophagus and stomach to achieve blood vessel compression, thereby preventing further blood loss. This esophageal tamponade technique helps stop active hemorrhaging and provides critical time for the administration of definitive treatments.
Indications and Use in Esophageal Varices
Esophageal varices are dilated blood vessels in the esophagus that are often a result of cirrhosis or liver disease. When these varices rupture, they can cause massive gastric bleeding, leading to a medical emergency. The Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is specifically designed to manage this situation by applying pressure to the esophagus, which helps control the bleeding and stabilize the patient.
Key Functions of the Sengstaken Tube
Hemostasis: By inflating the balloons in the esophagus and stomach, the Sengstaken tube exerts pressure on the bleeding vessels, halting the blood flow and effectively controlling the hemorrhage.
Esophageal Tamponade: The device serves as a temporary measure to achieve esophageal tamponade, allowing for stabilization before further medical interventions such as endoscopic procedures or surgery.
Gastric Decompression: In addition to controlling bleeding, the Sengstaken tube helps in gastric decompression, relieving pressure in the stomach and reducing the risk of aspiration or further complications.
