ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on the insertion of a sengstaken blakemore tube. It begins with a case scenario of a 48-year-old woman with a history of alcohol abuse who is having profound hematemesis, hypotension, and tachycardia. The chapter then includes details on indications, and information about supplies, positioning, technique and tube removal. Pearls and pitfalls are also incorporated, providing additional insights and practical advice not always available in other textbooks or articles. Placement of an sengstaken blakemore tube should only be performed in an ICU setting in order to allow for close monitoring. After 24 hours of hemorrhage cessation, the balloons can be deflated. After an additional 24 hours, if no bleeding recurs, the sengstaken blakemore tube can be removed.
