Using a nerve block to improve outcomes in cardiac arrest patients
Percutaneous Left Stellate Ganglion Block In Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Due to Refractory VEntricular Arrhythmias
This study is testing if a special nerve block can help people who have had a cardiac arrest due to a severe heart rhythm problem by seeing if it increases their chances of getting their heart beating again.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 53 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pavia) |
| Trial ID | NCT04168970 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of performing a percutaneous stellate ganglion block (PSGB) in patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to refractory ventricular fibrillation. The study will enroll patients who meet specific criteria and will assess whether PSGB can increase the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) compared to historical controls. The intervention will be conducted by emergency medical personnel after standard advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) measures have been attempted. The study will also monitor for any complications related to the procedure.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who have suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with a shockable rhythm.
Not a fit: Patients whose cardiac arrest is due to non-medical causes or who have contraindications for the procedure will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve survival rates and outcomes for patients experiencing cardiac arrest.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of OHCA, similar interventions have shown promise in other settings, but specific outcomes for this method remain untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All patients with an OHCA occurred in the Province of Pavia in which the first rhythm was a shockable one Exclusion Criteria: * Patients in which the cause of the cardiac arrest is non-medical following Utstein-style 2014 (trauma, overdose, drowning, electrocution, asphyxia) * Patients who has an anisocoria at the arrival of medical doctor on the scene * Patients whose neck is judge unsuitable for PSGB by the operator (i.e. presence of big scar, thyroid goiter, etc.)
Where this trial is running
Pavia
- Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo — Pavia, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Simone Savastano, MD
- Email: s.savastano@smatteo.pv.it
- Phone: +39 0382501276
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.