Rapid Rhino: A new pneumatic nasal tamponade for posterior epistaxis

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Some of these measures to control posterior epistaxis cause loss of nasal respiration and put the patient on those related risks. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The efficiency of a new pneumatic nasal tamponade (Rapid Rhino) was compared with a choanal balloon tamponade that has been used in our department for years in a prospective randomized study in patients with posterior epistaxis. The new pneumatic tamponade was used on the affected side only and nasal ventilation of the contralateral side was possible. RESULTS: Because of the successful use of the new pneumatic tamponade in most of the patients, epistaxis could be controlled without bilateral obstruction of nasal respiration. The use of the new pneumatic tamponade was evaluated to be less painful by the patients than choanal balloon tamponade. CONCLUSION: In an adapted therapeutic regime, the new pneumatic tamponade seems to have its place before using bilateral nasal respiration obstructing measures.