Gastric balloon is inflated in the stomach (e.g. with 30 mL of water) and placed on gentle traction against the gastro-oesophageal junction
- Inflation of the oesophageal balloon should be delayed and only undertaken if bleeding persists as there is an increased risk of necrosis at the gastro-oesophageal junction
- Oesophageal balloon must be deflated every 12 hours to prevent necrosis, and for similar reasons the gastric balloon should not be inflated for more than 48 hours
- Complications – aspiration pneumonia, oesophageal rupture, asphyxia from balloon migration, oesophageal ulcers, pressure necrosis (tongue or lips), arrhythmia and chest pain