Ultrasound-Guided Stellate Ganglion Radiofrequency in a Patient with Ventricular Tachycardia Sensitive to Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Electrical storms and ventricular tachycardia are two life-threatening arrhythmias that are becoming more common. In developing ventricular arrhythmias, the sympathetic nervous system plays a vital role. Stellate ganglion (SG) block can be used in many situations as an important therapeutic target, like treating tachyarryhthmias and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Case Presentation: The patient was a 53 years old woman with a history of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) insertion due to ventricular tachycardia. The patient complained of an awkward and unpleasant sensation when the ICD sensed the tachyarrhythmia and shocked her. Regarding the positive response to the previous SG block, with the goal of a longer duration of this effect, stellate ganglion radiofrequency was performed. Conclusions: Stellate ganglion radiofrequency shows a safe and long-term effect for patients with tachyarrhythmias and ICD who cannot tolerate episodes of ICD activation.