Left Stellate Ganglion Blockade for the Management of Drug-Resistant Electrical Storm

Abstract

Background. Electrical storm (ES) is a syndrome characterized by rapidly recurrent ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia. The most common precipitants include ongoing or recent myocardial ischemia, exacerbating congestive heart failure, arrhythmogenic medications, and electrolyte disturbances. Objective. We describe the case of a patient who developed ES seventy-two hours status post triple vessel coronary artery bypass grafting that did not respond to conservative treatment and required approximately 70 electrical shocks. Conclusion. The patient was rapidly stabilized following left stellate ganglion blockade. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.