Using Stellate Ganglion Block to Prevent Cerebral Vasospasm After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Effect of Early Stellate Ganglion Block for Cerebral Vasospasm After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: a Randomized Controlled Trial (BLOCK-CVS)

Not applicable Interventional Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT04691271

This study is testing if a special nerve block can help prevent serious complications in people who have had bleeding in the brain from an aneurysm.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment202 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT04691271 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of stellate ganglion block (SGB) as a potential intervention to prevent cerebral vasospasm (cVS) following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). cVS is a significant complication that can lead to delayed cerebral infarction, increasing disability and mortality rates. The trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of early SGB application in improving outcomes for patients who have experienced aSAH. Participants will be monitored for changes in cerebral blood flow and the incidence of delayed ischemic neurological dysfunction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 who have experienced aSAH within the last 48 hours and are planning for surgical treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with severe coagulation dysfunction, multiple aneurysms, or specific anatomical issues may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of delayed cerebral infarction in patients recovering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of stellate ganglion block has shown promise in other contexts, this specific application for preventing cerebral vasospasm after aSAH is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age range: 18-65 years old;
* Within 48 hours after onset of aSAH,and planning surgical treatment(aneurysm clipping);
* Preoperative Hunt-Hess grade 2-3
* Sign informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* ASA \> grade III;
* Patients with posterior circulation aneurysm, ophthalmic aneurysms or internal carotid aneurysms;
* patients with multiple aneurysms;
* Patients with severe coagulation dysfunction;
* Patients with trauma and local infection in the nerve block area;
* Local anatomic structure changes (neck structure changes caused by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery);
* MCA stenosis or infarction was found by preoperative imaging;
* Patients with poor temporal window signal revealed by preoperative TCD (clear waveform image could not be obtained);
* Allergy to known local anesthetics;
* Pregnant and lactating women.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Aneurysmal Subarachnoid HemorrhageStellate Ganglion BlockCerebral VasospasmCerebral vasospasmStellate ganglion block
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.