Emergent Phenol Injection of Bilateral Stellate Ganglion for Management of Refractory Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmias

Am J Case Rep. 2020 Mar 19:21:e921465. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.921465.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Management of incessant electrical storm is poorly defined. These 2 case studies demonstrate a simplified percutaneous approach to achieve stellate ganglion ablation (SGA) and to promptly control malignant ventricular arrhythmias. CASE REPORT This report describes 2 patients with deteriorating hemodynamics, progressive ventricular arrhythmias, and worsening heart failure, managed with emergent percutaneous fluoroscopically-guided bilateral SGA to achieve bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation. While supine and intubated, the left and then right stellate ganglion were identified guided by anatomic landmarks. Using a 22-guage, 3.5-inch spinal needle, contrast dye was injected with appropriate outline of the stellate ganglion at the uncinate process of the C6 vertebra. Bupivacaine 0.5% was injected, followed by phenol 6%. Successful SGA was confirmed by intentional Horner's syndrome with bilateral eye lag. The procedures were completed in about 30 min without complications and there was a dramatic reduction in ventricular arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS Emergent percutaneous bilateral SGA can be accomplished with a brief procedure resulting in management of electrical storm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques*
  • Bupivacaine / administration & dosage*
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Humans
  • Injections
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenol / administration & dosage*
  • Stellate Ganglion / surgery*
  • Sympathectomy, Chemical*
  • Tachycardia, Ventricular / therapy*

Substances

  • Phenol
  • Bupivacaine