Left-sided stellate ganglion block to lower post-surgery atrial fibrillation risk
Left Sided Stellate Ganglion Blocks Impact on the Rate of Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery: A Pilot Study
This will test if giving an ultrasound-guided left stellate ganglion block with bupivacaine to adults having esophagectomy, pneumonectomy, or lobectomy lowers their chance of atrial fibrillation after surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06271707 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults aged 18–85 undergoing esophagectomy, pneumonectomy, or lobectomy at the University of Minnesota will receive an ultrasound-guided left stellate ganglion block with either 0.5% bupivacaine or saline in addition to standard care. The trial compares rates of postoperative atrial fibrillation between the active block and placebo arms. Enrollment excludes patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia or to stellate blockade and pregnant patients. Primary outcomes focus on incidence of atrial fibrillation in the postoperative period and related clinical consequences.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–85 who are scheduled for esophagectomy, pneumonectomy, or lobectomy and have no contraindication to regional anesthesia or stellate block are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia or stellate blockade, or who are pregnant, would not be eligible and therefore would not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce postoperative atrial fibrillation rates and the complications, interventions, and longer hospital stays that accompany it.
How similar studies have performed: Some small trials and case reports of sympathetic blockade techniques, including thoracic epidural or stellate block, have suggested reduced postoperative atrial fibrillation, but evidence is limited and not conclusive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing esophagectomy, pneumonectomy, or lobectomy aged 18-85. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who have an exclusion to regional anesthesia. * Patients who have exclusion to stellate blockade. * Patients who are pregnant assessed via self-report or pregnancy test if they have taken one
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jacob Hutchins — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Candace Nelson
- Email: nelso377@umn.edu
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.