The usefulness of stellate ganglion block with ultrasound-guided lateral paracarotid approach in ventricular arrhythmias: A case series.

Abstract

Ventricular arrhythmias are life-threatening cardiac events. Sympathetic nervous system blockade represents a crucial therapeutic method for refractory ventricular arrhythmias. Ultrasound (US) imaging for stellate ganglion block (SGB) suggests potential for its application to safer and more accurate methods. We had thirteen patients diagnosed with refractory ventricular arrhythmia and referred to the pain clinic for SGB. We visited the intensive care unit (ICU) and performed SGB with the lateral paracarotid approach technique in the ICU. Using a new approach, we easily performed SGB and felt the convenience of the procedure in the ICU. In eleven cases, we also confirmed that the effect of the block with the new technique was satisfactory. SGB, with the new technique, revealed efficiency in the recovery process of the patients. We recommended the lateral paracarotid approach technique for SGB when a patient in an ICU showed ventricular arrhythmias and should be treated with SGB.