Splanchnic Nerve Block: An Emerging Treatment for Heart Failure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neuroscience
• Medical Interventions

Background:

• Heart failure (HF) management is complex due to an aging population and limitations of current treatments.
• Existing therapeutic options for HF do not fully address the persistent unmet clinical needs.

Approach:

• This review examines the physiological role of the splanchnic nerve in heart failure.
• It analyzes clinical studies demonstrating improved hemodynamic parameters with splanchnic nerve interventions in HF.
• The review also discusses potential adverse effects and complications associated with splanchnic nerve block (SNB).

Key Points:

• The greater splanchnic nerve is identified as a potential therapeutic target for heart failure.
• Clinical evidence suggests SNB can favorably modulate hemodynamic function in both acute and chronic HF.

Conclusions:

• Splanchnic nerve involvement in HF pathophysiology is significant and warrants further investigation.
• SNB presents a novel approach to HF management, but its safety profile needs comprehensive evaluation.