Presentation
Projectile hematemesis for 2 hours with hypotension in the 70's
Patient Data
X-Ray demonstrating Minnesota tube with tip overlying stomach. Endotracheal tube in place. Bibasilar opacities are present.
Case Discussion
This patient experienced hemorrhage of esophageal varices as a result of alcoholic cirrhosis. EGD was not possible and tamponade with a Minnesota tube was unsuccessful. Hemostasis was finally achieved with an emergency TIPS procedure and embolization of varix.
Minnesota tubes are similar to Sengstaken-Blakemore tubes except that they feature a fourth lumen used to aspirate esophageal contents. Thus the four lumens are:
- gastric aspiration port
- esophageal aspiration port
- gastric balloon port
- esophageal balloon port
Case made with the help of Dr Jayanth Keshavamurthy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta.