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How To Treat Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

By

Waleed M Abuzeid

, BSc, MBBS, University of Washington

Reviewed/Revised Jul 2023
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Topic Resources

Posterior epistaxis (nasal hemorrhage) can often be controlled with balloon tamponade.

Epistaxis may be due to bleeding from the anterior or posterior nasal passage. Anterior bleeding is much more common, but posterior bleeding is more dangerous and is managed differently; thus, identifying the site of bleeding is critical. Epistaxis that persists without an evident anterior nasal source is most often caused by a posterior bleeding site.

Posterior bleeding is sometimes controlled using topical vasoconstrictors. If not, it usually requires treatment with nasal packing. Historically, gauze packing was used but balloon tamponade is easier to do and more comfortable to the patient and thus is usually preferred. Some balloons can occlude both the anterior and posterior nasal cavity simultaneously. (See Clinical Practice Guideline: Nosebleed (Epistaxis).)

Posterior nasal packing is very uncomfortable. Intravenous sedation and analgesia are often needed and hospitalization is required. Applying a cardiac monitor and pulse oximetry Pulse Oximetry Gas exchange is measured through several means, including Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide Pulse oximetry Arterial blood gas sampling The diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO)... read more is strongly recommended.

Indications for Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

  • Epistaxis from a suspected posterior source

Contraindications to Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

Absolute contraindications

  • Possible or identified skull base fracture

  • Significant maxillofacial or nasal bone trauma

  • Uncontrolled airway or hemodynamic instability

Procedures described here are intended for spontaneous posterior epistaxis. Epistaxis in patients with significant facial trauma should be managed by a specialist.

Relative contraindications

  • Severe nasal septal deviation toward the bleeding side (makes it difficult to insert balloon device)

Complications of Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

* Such cardiac complications have been reported in the literature, although this remains controversial.

Equipment for Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

Additional Considerations for Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

  • Initiate treatment for any hypovolemia or shock before treating epistaxis.

  • Ask about use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.

  • Check complete blood count (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) if there are symptoms or signs of a bleeding disorder or patient has severe or recurrent epistaxis.

If posterior packing fails to control nasal hemorrhage, invasive methods done by specialists may be needed:

Endoscopic SPA ligation is done by an otolaryngologist and has a lower risk of major complications (eg, stroke, blindness) than endovascular SPA embolization and may be more appropriate for patients who can safely tolerate general anesthesia or if the embolization procedure is not readily available.

Endovascular SPA embolization is done by an interventional radiologist under local anesthesia and may be better for patients with multiple comorbidities that preclude safe general anesthesia, for those on anticoagulant therapy, and for patients who present with bleeding after previously having had endoscopic SPA ligation.

Relevant Anatomy for Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

  • Severe or intractable posterior epistaxis often stems from the sphenopalatine artery or its proximal branches.

Positioning for Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

  • The patient should sit upright in the sniffing position with head extended, preferably in an ENT specialist's chair. The patient's occiput should be supported to prevent sudden backward movement. The patient's nose should be level with the physician's eyes.

  • The patient should hold an emesis basin to collect any continued bleeding or emesis of swallowed blood.

Step-by-Step Description for Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

Initial steps:

  • Start IV and send any laboratory studies needed.

  • Place patient on cardiac monitor and pulse oximeter.

  • Have the patient blow the nose to remove clots, or suction the nasal passageway gently.

  • To help identify the bleeding site (and possibly stop the bleeding), apply a vasoconstrictor/anesthetic mixture: Place about 3 mL of 4% cocaine solution or 4% lidocaine with oxymetazoline in a small medicine cup and soak 2 or 3 cotton pledgets with the solution and insert them into the nose, stacked vertically (or spray in a topical vasoconstrictor such as oxymetazoline and place pledgets containing only topical anesthetic).

  • Leave the topical drugs in place for 10 to 15 minutes to stop or reduce the bleeding, provide anesthesia, and reduce mucosal swelling.

  • Insert a nasal speculum with your index finger resting against the patient's nose or cheek and the handle parallel to the floor (so the blades open vertically).

  • Slowly open the speculum and examine the nose using a bright headlamp or head mirror, which leaves one hand free to manipulate suction or an instrument.

  • If no bleeding site is visible in the anterior nose, use a tongue depressor and look into the oropharynx. Continued bleeding suggests a posterior source.

Place balloon catheter to tamponade active posterior bleeding:

  • Give IV analgesia (eg, 0.5 to 1.0 mcg/kg fentanyl to a maximum dose of 100 mcg; consider lower doses in those older than age 65 and titrate to effect).

  • Insert the balloon catheter into the nose, and gently advance it parallel to the floor of the nasal cavity. Advance the catheter until the tip can be seen in the oropharynx when looking through the mouth.

  • Follow inflation instructions for any commercial epistaxis balloon. If using a Foley catheter, partially inflate the balloon with 5 to 7 mL of water. Gently pull the catheter anteriorly until it is firmly seated in the posterior nasal cavity. Then slowly add another 5 to 7 mL of water.

  • If pain or inferior displacement of the soft palate occurs, deflate the balloon until the pain resolves or the soft palate is no longer displaced.

  • Consider packing the contralateral anterior nasal cavity to avoid septal deviation.

  • Wrap a piece of gauze around the catheter at the naris to protect the nasal ala and place a clamp on the catheter to prevent the balloon from sliding back out of the posterior nasal cavity.

  • If using a dual-balloon catheter, first inflate the posterior balloon, using the same general technique as for the single balloon catheter. Then inflate the anterior balloon (typically with 30 mL). Anterior nasal packing with layered gauze is unnecessary when using a dual-balloon catheter.

How To Treat Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)
VIDEO

Aftercare for Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

Warnings and Common Errors When Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

  • Do not open the nasal speculum laterally or use in an unsupported manner. (Brace a finger of the hand holding the speculum on the patient's cheek or nose.)

  • Overfilling the catheter balloon can cause significant pain.

Tips and Tricks for Treating Posterior Epistaxis With a Balloon

  • Elevating the patient's chair to eye height is easier on the practitioner's back than bending down.

  • Always consult an otolaryngologist after placement of a posterior nasal pack to ensure follow-up.

  • After placement of the posterior pack, look through the mouth to make sure that there is no further bleeding down the throat. If there is bleeding, put more fluid into the catheter balloon. If this fails to control bleeding, consult an otolaryngologist immediately.

References

  • 1. Rudmik L, Smith TL: Management of intractable spontaneous epistaxis. Am J Rhinol Allergy 26(1):55-60, 2012. doi:10.2500/ajra.2012.26.3696

  • 2. Christensen NP, Smith DS, Barnwell SL, et al: Arterial embolization in the management of posterior epistaxis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 133:748-753, 2005. doi: 10.1016/j.otohns.2005.07.041

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Drug Name Select Trade
ABSTRAL, Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, IONSYS, Lazanda, Onsolis, Sublimaze, SUBSYS
GOPRELTO, NUMBRINO
AK-T Caine, Pontocaine, Pontocaine in Dextrose, Pontocaine Niphanoid, Tetcaine, TetraVisc, TetraVisc Forte, Viractin
7T Lido, Akten , ALOCANE, ANASTIA, AneCream, Anestacon, Aspercreme with Lidocaine, AsperFlex, Astero , BenGay, Blue Tube, Blue-Emu, CidalEaze, DermacinRx Lidocan II, DermacinRx Lidocan III, DermacinRx Lidogel, DermacinRx Lidorex, DermacinRx Lidotral, DERMALID, Dologesic, Ela-Max, GEN7T, Glydo, Gold Bond, Icy Hot , LidaFlex, LidaMantle, Lido King Maximum Strength, Lidocan, LIDOCANNA, Lidocare, Lidoderm, LidoDose, LidoDose Pediatric, Lidofore, LidoHeal-90, LIDO-K , LidoLite, Lidomar , Lidomark, Lidopin, LidoPure, LidoReal-30, LidoRx, Lidosense 4 , Lidosense 5, Lidosol, Lidosol-50, LIDO-SORB, Lidotral, Lidovix L, LIDOZION, Lidozo, Lidtopic, Lidtopic Max, LMX 4, LMX 4 with Tegaderm, LMX 5, LTA, Lubricaine, Lubricaine For Her, Lydexa, MENTHO-CAINE , Moxicaine, Numbonex, Professional DNA Collection Kit, Proxivol, ReadySharp Lidocaine, RectaSmoothe, RectiCare, Regenecare HA, Salonpas Lidocaine, Senatec, Solarcaine, SOLUPAK, SUN BURNT PLUS, Suvicort, Topicaine, Tranzarel, VacuStim Silver, Xyliderm, Xylocaine, Xylocaine Dental, Xylocaine in Dextrose, Xylocaine MPF, Xylocaine Topical, Xylocaine Topical Jelly, Xylocaine Topical Solution, Xylocaine Viscous, Zilactin-L, ZiloVal, Zingo, Zionodi, ZTlido
12 Hour Nasal , Afrin, Afrin Extra Moisturizing, Afrin Nasal Sinus, Afrin No Drip Severe Congestion, Dristan, Duration, Genasal , Mucinex Children's Stuffy Nose, Mucinex Full Force, Mucinex Moisture Smart, Mucinex Sinus-Max, Mucinex Sinus-Max Sinus & Allergy, NASAL Decongestant, Nasal Relief , Neo-Synephrine 12-Hour, Neo-Synephrine Severe Sinus Congestion, Nostrilla Fast Relief, Reliable-1 12 hour Decongestant, Rhinase D, RHOFADE, Sinex 12-Hour, Sudafed OM Sinus Cold Moisturizing, Sudafed OM Sinus Congestion Moisturizing, Upneeq, Vicks Qlearquil Decongestant, Vicks Sinex, Vicks Sinex Severe, Visine L.R., Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief, Zicam Intense Sinus
Anacin Adult Low Strength, Aspergum, Aspir-Low, Aspirtab , Aspir-Trin , Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin Extra Strength, Bayer Aspirin Plus, Bayer Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Bayer Extra Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Plus, Bayer Genuine Aspirin, Bayer Low Dose Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Womens Aspirin , BeneHealth Aspirin, Bufferin, Bufferin Extra Strength, Bufferin Low Dose, DURLAZA, Easprin , Ecotrin, Ecotrin Low Strength, Genacote, Halfprin, MiniPrin, St. Joseph Adult Low Strength, St. Joseph Aspirin, VAZALORE, Zero Order Release Aspirin, ZORprin
Amoxil, Dispermox, Moxatag, Moxilin , Sumox, Trimox
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