Percutaneous stellate ganglion block for electrical storm
Official title: Percutaneous Blockade Protocol of the Stellate Ganglion in Patients With Refractory Electrical Storm
Run by University of Sao Paulo General Hospital · NCT07211347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will try a targeted nerve block using lidocaine and bupivacaine to stop repeated ventricular arrhythmias in adults whose electrical storm hasn't responded to initial treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Sao Paulo General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 6, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07211347 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with structural heart disease experiencing refractory electrical storm in the emergency department or ICU who have failed or cannot tolerate standard antiarrhythmic therapy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without refractory electrical storm, those with prior cardiac denervation or heart transplant, or those with anatomical contraindications to neck procedures are unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center randomized trial enrolls adults with refractory electrical storm admitted to the emergency unit or ICU. Participants are randomized to receive a percutaneous stellate ganglion block with a lidocaine/bupivacaine solution or no intervention. The primary outcome is a reduction in arrhythmic events by at least 50% during the 12 hours after the procedure, and the planned sample size is 32 patients per group. The procedure is intended as a temporizing neuromodulation measure for patients awaiting definitive therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the procedure could rapidly reduce dangerous ventricular arrhythmias and stabilize patients who have not responded to standard therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Case reports and retrospective series suggest stellate ganglion blockade can reduce arrhythmias, but no randomized trials have previously tested this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients over 18 years old with structural heart disease and a diagnosis of refractory electrical storm, or those who require discontinuation of antiarrhythmics due to adverse events or contraindications to standard therapy. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients under 18 * History of heart transplant or prior cardiac denervation surgery * Anatomical contraindications for the procedure (prior neck surgery, burns, large scars, or thyroid goiter). * Genetically related polymorphic VT * End-stage renal disease on dialysis
Where it's running
-
Clinical Research Center of the Heart Institute - University of São Paulo
São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maurício I Scanavacca, MD, PhD — Instituto do Coração - HC/FMUSP
- Study coordinator: Alberto P Ferraz, MD
- Email: albertopferraz@gmail.com
- Phone: +5511981043839
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.