Epistaxis control with a Foley catheter

Foley catheter

Preparation

• Patient seated
• Topical anaesthesia

Procedure

• 10-14 French Foley catheter into bleeding nostril
• Ensure you can see the tip in the orppharynx behind the uvula
• 5-10 ml saline to inflate the balloon
• Pull forward until bleeding stops posteriorly and diverted anteriorly
• Pack posterior NP with adrenaline/TXA-soaked ribbon gauze in front of balloon
  1. Adrenaline 0.5 mg (5 mL of 1:10,000)
  2. TXA 1 mg of IV liquid preparation
• Pull catheter until firm resistance felt
• Clamp at nares with generous padding to avoid pressure-injury

Links

• Epistaxis
• Floseal
• Rapid Rhino page
• Patient advice sheets