New tube for the diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage

The design, use, and applications of a new tube for the treatment and diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage are presented. The tube incorporates suction, air sump, and irrigating components in a triple-lumen construction. The tube allows constant irrigation of the bleeding stomach with large quantities of irrigant that may contain antacids, vasoconstrictors, or both. The efficient evacuation of the stomach may result in more productive gastroscopy and upper gastrointestinal roentgenographic examinations. The tube can provide early warning of rebleeding as well as perhaps providing definitive or temporizing therapy in some cases of bleeding.