Sengstaken–Blakemore tube

The Sengstaken probe ( also Sengstaken - Blakemore probe) is a special feeding tube, which is used for the treatment of bleeding from esophageal varices.

When Sengstaken probe is a nasogastric tube, which has a few inches from the end that should be in the stomach of a spherical balloon ( gastric balloon ). A second balloon, which is in the form of a tube ( Ösophagusballon ) is mounted behind it. Both balloons can be inflated independently.

The probe is advanced through the nose into the stomach, the gastric balloon inflated and the probe slowly withdrawn until the balloon is located at the entrance to the stomach. Following the Ösophagusballon is inflated, which lies in the esophagus and can compress as bleeding esophageal varices. The bleeding is thereby reduced or stopped.

Originates the bleeding from varices ( varicose veins ) of the gastric fundus, the similarly constructed Linton - Nachlas probe can be used.