Percutaneous stellate ganglion block suppressing VT and VF in a patient refractory to VT ablation

Abstract

Percutaneous Stellate Ganglion Block Suppressing VT and VF Introduction Electrical storm is a condition characterized by multiple episodes of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) in a short period of time. Case Presentation An 80-year-old male with a history of ischemic cardiomyopathy presented with multiple ICD shocks. As a last resort, he underwent percutaneous left, followed by right, stellate ganglion block under fluoroscopic guidance. Since his discharge, he has been managed with alternating, biweekly left and right stellate ganglion blocks, and he has received no ICD shocks. Discussion This case illustrates the potential of ongoing, temporary percutaneous stellate ganglion blockade in suppressing ventricular arrhythmogenesis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.