A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is an oro- or nasogastric tube used occasionally in the management of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to bleeding from esophageal varices (distended veins in the esophageal wall, usually as a result of cirrhosis). It was originally described in 1950.Sengstaken RW, Blakemore AH. Balloon tamponage for the control of hemorrhage from esophageal varices. Ann Surg 1950;131:781-9. PMID 15411151. The use of esophageal tamponade in the treatment of bleeding varices has been known since Westphal described it in 1930.Westphal K. Ueber eine Kompressionsbehandlung der Blutungen aus Oesophagusvarizen. Deutsch Med Wochenschr 1930;56:1135.

It consists of a multiluminal plastic tube with two inflatable baloons. Apart from the baloons, two lumens serve the proximal esophagus and the gastric tip of the device, respectively (although earlier devices had no oesophageal lumen, requiring the parallel insertion of a nasogastric tubeBauer JJ, Kreel I, Kark AE. The use of the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube for immediate control of bleeding esophageal varices. Ann Surg 1974;179:273-7. PMID 4544329.).

Generally it is used only in emergencies where bleeding from presumed varices is impossible to control by administration of medication. It may be difficult to position, particularly in an unwell patient, and may inadvertedly be inserted in the trachea. It is a temporary measure: ulceration and rupture of the esophagus and stomach are recognized complications.

A related device, a Linton-Nachlas tube, may be used for isolated gastric hemorrhage.

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