Pneumatic nasal catheters: advantages and drawbacks.

The authors present their experience with pneumatic nasal catheters in cases of epistaxis. Among the advantages of this method over tamponade with petroleum jelly-covered gauze are: Effective tamponade without causing hypoxia, carbon dioxide retention or additional loading of the cardiopulmonary system; Less need for sedation; and Easy application and removal. Conversely, its most important adverse effect is the possibility of pressure necrosis of the nasal mucosa and nasal septum. This can be greatly reduced by considering a few technical recommendations.