Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Location, Dissection, and Analysis of the Murine Stellate Ganglion
Published on: December 22, 2020
Electrical Storm After STEMI Refractory to Medications Successfully Managed With Bilateral Sympathetic Ganglionectomy
HangYu Watson1, Seher Berzingi1, Emily Hendricks1
1Department of Medicine, West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.
Background:
Electrical storm is a life-threatening condition often requiring antiarrhythmics, sedation, antiadrenergics, and hemodynamic support. In refractory cases, cardiac sympathetic denervation can help reduce arrythmia burden and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks.
Case Summary:
A 40-year-old man presented with anteroseptal ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and newly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and underwent coronary artery bypass grafting during hospitalization. He subsequently developed refractory monomorphic ventricular tachycardia despite treatment with amiodarone, lidocaine, and a left stellate ganglion block. He was successfully treated with bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic sympathetic ganglionectomy.
Discussion:
In patients presenting with electrical storm, particularly those with ischemic cardiomyopathy, bilateral sympathetic ganglionectomy can be an effective treatment when ventricular arrhythmias are refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs and device optimization.
Take-Home Messages:
This case highlights that bilateral sympathetic ganglionectomy offers more comprehensive autonomic modulation than unilateral block and may provide definitive control of refractory arrhythmias. Temporary blocks may serve as diagnostic or therapeutic bridges to surgical intervention.
More Related Videos
06:57Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia Using a Multipolar Catheter and 3-dimensional Mapping System for High-density Electro-anatomical Reconstruction
Published on: January 31, 2019
12:45Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Dysrhythmias VI: Management of Dysrhythmias
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Blockers