Stellate ganglion local anesthetic blockade and neurolysis for the treatment of refractory ventricular fibrillation

A A Case Rep. 2015 Mar 1;4(5):49-51. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000000124.

Abstract

Electrical storm (ES) is a syndrome characterized by recurrent ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia. It is a major clinical challenge and is often unresponsive to conventional drug therapy; instead, its treatment requires multiple attempts at electrical defibrillation. Sympathetic hyperactivity is an important modulator of ventricular arrhythmias, including ES. We report a case of ES treated safely and effectively with pharmacologic sympathectomy involving diagnostic continuous stellate ganglion blockade with local anesthetic followed by therapeutic neurolysis. This technique reduced ES in a patient for whom conservative medical and interventional procedures were ineffective.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anesthetics, Local*
  • Autonomic Nerve Block*
  • Electric Countershock
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Stellate Ganglion* / physiopathology
  • Sympathectomy
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / therapy*

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Local