Sengstaken-Blakemore tube (Figure 125.1). If this has only three lumens, tape a standard medium-bore nasogastric tube with the perforations just above the oesophageal balloon to allow aspiration of the oesophagus. The lumens of the tube are not always labelled; if not, label them now with tape.

Water (300 mL) for inflation of gastric balloon (with 10 mL of contrast medium (e.g. Gastrografin) added so you can see where it is); the balloon is less likely to deflate (with consequent displacement) if water is used rather than air (400 mL).

Bladder syringe for aspirating the oesophageal drainage tube.

Suction equipment.