Ultrasound-guided cervical sympathetic block

Abstract

Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is performed for the management of patients for a variety of pain conditions, including complex regional pain syndrome and peripheral vascular disease. The most widely practiced approach to SGB is the paratracheal approach, in which the needle is inserted toward the anterior tubercle of cervical sixth vertebra (Chassaignac tubercle). This approach is essentially a blockade of the cervical sympathetic chain in proximity to the middle cervical ganglion instead of the stellate ganglion, which is located opposite to the neck of the first rib (Figure 20.1). Thus, the classical approach is better termed cervical sympathetic block. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.