Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Vascular Balloon Injury and Intraluminal Administration in Rat Carotid Artery
Published on: December 23, 2014
Complications of balloon packing in epistaxis
Lenka Vermeeren1, Wynia Derks, Wytske Fokkens
1Department of Otolaryngology, Academic Medical Center, Postbus 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, lenkavermeeren@upcmail.nl.
Abstract:
Although balloon packing appears to be efficient to control epistaxis, severe local complications can occur. We describe four patients with local lesions after balloon packing. Prolonged balloon packing can cause damage to nasal mucosa, septum and alar skin (nasal mucosa, the cartilaginous skeleton and the overlying soft-tissue envelope) and should, therefore, be avoided. We suggest early nasendoscopy in general anesthesia to identify and treat the bleeding focus, if bleeding cannot be controlled with regular packing.
Related Concept Videos
Epistaxis
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
