[Improved control of the pressure during use of the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube]

For the control of acute hemorrhage from esophageal varices by balloon tamponade a proper application of the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is necessary to arrest bleeding and to minimize complications. A simple modification of the pressure measurement used up to now is described with other suitable applications. By this modified technique a correct pressure can be kept in the esophageal balloon spontaneously; its ease in handling in intensive care makes for better results in emergency management of balloon-tamponade in treatment of acute bleeding from esophageal varices.