Urgent ultrasound-guided bilateral stellate ganglion blocks in a patient with medically refractory ventricular arrhythmias

Maura M. Scanlon, Shane M. Gillespie, Hartzell V. Schaff, Yong Mei Cha, Erica D. Wittwer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the successful treatment of medically refractory ventricular arrhythmias in the ICU with ultrasoundguided bilateral stellate ganglion blocks. Data Sources: The data were gathered from the medical record. Study Selection: This case was selected as it describes the use of ultrasound in the successful termination of a recurrent, malignant arrhythmia, rather than fluoroscopy, to perform bilateral stellate ganglion blocks at the patient's bedside in the ICU. Data Extraction: The data were extracted from the medical record. Data Synthesis: The data were synthesized from the patient's medical record. Conclusions: Performance of stellate ganglion blocks at the bedside in the ICU is feasible for patients who are suffering from refractory ventricular arrhythmias. This potentially life-saving block can be performed using ultrasound guidance, sparing the patient transport to a fluoroscopy suite.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e316-e318
JournalCritical care medicine
Volume43
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Myocardial infarction
  • Stellate ganglion block
  • Ultrasound
  • Ventricular arrhythmia
  • Ventricular fibrillation
  • Ventricular tachycardia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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