Critical care clinics
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Knowledge of the indications, placement, and management of chest tubes in the intensive care unit is essential for the care of the critically ill patient. Awareness of the complications and mechanical difficulties that can occur with chest tubes and their drainage systems is essential for the safe and effective use of these devices.
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Critical care clinics · Oct 1992
ReviewSengstaken-Blakemore tube placement. Use of balloon tamponade to control bleeding varices.
The management of acute variceal bleeding continues to challenge those who care for patients with portal hypertension. Survival depends on rapid institution of an established protocol for resuscitation, diagnosis, and management of the patient. Balloon tamponade plays an important part in the management of this problem along with pharmacologic and endoscopic modalities. It is important in closing, however, to note that guidelines for use cannot compensate for lack of experience and the authors agree with Vlavianos and colleagues in stating that without experience in its use, balloon tamponade is of limited value.