Blackmore's probe is a medical device designed to stop bleeding from varicose veins of an organ such as the esophagus. It should be noted that this disease develops as a result of extra- or intrahepatic block of the portal system.
Bleeding from the veins of the stomach or esophagus is the most dangerous and quite frequent deviation that can threaten the patient's life. That is why, for the treatment of such a pathological condition, an installation called the Blackmore probe is actively used. The fact that this device is, how it looks and other points, we will consider a little lower.
What is a Blackmore-Sengstaken probe?
This device is a tube (three-lumen), which has a length of 100 centimeters. At its end is a round cylinder, and a little higher is a cylindrical chamber. Two channels of this device are intended for hollow vessels, and a third lumen is necessary to control the effectiveness of hemostasis and aspiration of the contents of the stomach.
History of occurrence
Blackmore's probe was first used at the end of the 19th century, namely in 1893. In the period from 1930 to 1950, this device was modified several times. It is after such improvements in clinical practice that an esophageal probe with three lumens and two vessels is actively used. Of all the measures taken to temporarily stop internal bleeding, the presented device with pneumatic cylinders is considered the most effective. After all, it is with the help of it that it is quite easy to squeeze bleeding varicose veins in the lower esophagus and cardia.
The correct installation of the Blackmore probe
To carry out such a procedure, it is necessary to generously lubricate rubber cylinders and the distal end of the device with liquid paraffin. Then it should be entered through the patient’s nose and reach the nasopharynx. In the case of an increased reflex, as well as instability of the patient's psyche, immediately before the event, it is recommended to anesthetize the mucous membranes. After this, the patient needs to draw a little water into his mouth and with the simultaneous swallowing of the liquid with rapid movements, push the Blackmore probe into the cavity of the stomach. Having reached the main digestive organ, the specialist must inflate the distal balloon by injecting about 60 ml of air into it. This procedure is carried out using a syringe. Next, the probe is pulled up to the point of feeling in the region of the cardia of the stomach, and then fix it with a band-aid to the upper lip. Thanks to such measures, the Blackmore probe assumes the correct position and the second balloon is placed exactly in the esophagus. It is he who is inflated in a similar way, pumping 110-140 ml of air.
If this device is installed correctly, then the separation of blood through it stops. To avoid the formation of pressure sores in the esophagus, after 2 hours the second balloon is lowered. In the event that bleeding continues, the vessel is again inflated.