Can stellate ganglion blockage be an alternative treatment for refractory ventricular arrhythmias: Case series

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) are life-threatening conditions which increase in frequency over the years. Electrical storm (ES) is defined as the occurrence of 3 or more continuous ventricular arrhythmia. The sympathetic nervous system has an important role in Ventricular arrythmias (VA) and is the target of treatment. Studies show that stellate ganglion blockade (SGB) can reduce cardiac sympathetic tone and is an alternative bridge therapy in VAs.

Among the patients who were admitted to the hospital with the complaints of general condition disorder and palpitation.

Patients were referred to the Cardiology department and diagnosed VA and ES. Patients who applied to the Cardiology Department with the diagnosis of VA or ES and did not benefit from antiarrhythmic drug therapy were selected and evaluated by a team of 2 anesthesiologists (cardiothoracic and pain specialists) and 2 cardiologists (1 of whom is an electrophysiology specialist).

In our study, ultrasound (USG) guided left SGB was applied to 10 VA and ES patients with implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD). The 6-month results of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. For blockage, the solution was prepared by adding 8 mg dexamethasone, 40 mg lidocaine and 10 mg bupivacaine to 10 mL with physiological saline. The success of the procedure was evaluated with the development of Horner syndrome in the left eye.

Resistant VA developed in 2 of 10 patients who had left SGB due to VF/VT ES and were excluded from the study. One (1) month after the procedure it was seen that there was a statistically significant decrease in the number of shocks in 8 patients in the 6th month controls compared to the pre-procedure. The number of VES in the 1st and 6th months of the patients was also statistically significantly decreased compared to the pre-SSD (P = .01, P = .01, P = .01, respectively).

Unilateral USG-guided SGB application is an effective and safe method in patients with ES and VA. Long-term results can be satisfactory in successful responders in whom SGB is performed with a combination of local anesthetic and steroid.