Esophageal balloon tamponade

Short-term hemostasis and stabilization of patients until definitive therapy can be arranged

Failure to achieve hemostasis after endoscopic treatment of bleeding esophageal varices

As a temporizing measure when endoscopic treatment is not immediately available or emergency transcutaneous intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is being arranged

Known or suspected esophageal tear

Recent esophageal surgery

Known esophageal stricture

Use with caution with those patients with a hiatal hernia