Stellate ganglion block as a complementary therapeutic modality for arterial thrombosis in upper limb of a neonate

Abstract

Stellate ganglion block or lower cervical sympathetic block is an interventional procedure, in which a local anesthetic is injected to the sympathetic trunk of the neck, for adjustment of autonomic tone in head, neck and the upper extremity. This procedure is frequently used as a complementary therapeutic modality in a variety of complex heterogeneous problems. We report a case of rapid onset radial and brachial artery thrombosis, which developed in a neonate patient after multiple attempts for a peripheral venous access by cannulation. The condition was diagnosed with Doppler ultrasound, and was successfully managed with stellate ganglion block along with intravenous administration of an anticoagulant.