Left stellate ganglion blockade for the management of drug-resistant electrical storm

Pain Med. 2011 Aug;12(8):1196-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2011.01167.x. Epub 2011 Jun 21.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Coronary Artery Bypass / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nerve Block / methods*
  • Stellate Ganglion / drug effects*
  • Stellate Ganglion / physiopathology*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / etiology
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / surgery*
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / etiology
  • Ventricular Fibrillation / surgery*