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Using Stellate Ganglion Block to Treat Arrhythmic Storm

A Multicenter Observational Study on In-hospital Stellate Ganglion Block for Arrhythmic Storm

Observational Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia · NCT05720936

This study is testing if a special nerve block can help people having a severe heart rhythm problem called arrhythmic storm by reducing the number of shocks they need from a defibrillator.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorFondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia Academic / other
Locations38 sites (Alessandria, AL and 37 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05720936 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness and safety of Percutaneous Stellate Ganglion Block (PSGB) in patients experiencing an arrhythmic storm, which is characterized by multiple sustained ventricular arrhythmias within a 24-hour period that do not respond to standard antiarrhythmic medications. Patients who meet the inclusion criteria will undergo PSGB and will be monitored for changes in the number of defibrillations required before and after the procedure. The study is multicenter and includes both retrospective and prospective data collection over a short-term period of 24 hours. The aim is to gather evidence on the potential benefits of this neuromodulation technique in emergency situations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are experiencing an arrhythmic storm that is unresponsive to at least one antiarrhythmic drug.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiac sympathicectomy or those with neck conditions that make the procedure unsuitable will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from refractory arrhythmic storms.

How similar studies have performed: While neuromodulation techniques like PSGB have shown promise in smaller studies, this is one of the first large multicentric studies aimed at evaluating its safety and effectiveness in this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥ 18 years,
* presence of arrhythmic storm defined as more than three sustained ventricular arrhythmias in 24 hours refractory to the standard medical treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A previous history of cardiac sympathicectomy
* Having a neck judged unsuitable for the procedure (previous neck surgery, previous burns, presence of large scars, thyroid goiter)

Both the two approaches present in literature and commonly used for this technique are allowed for the study:

* The "anatomical" approach which consist in the identification of the Chassaignac's tubercle that represents the point of needle insertion
* The "echo-guided" approach Regardless to the approach (anatomical or echo-guided) the doctor will be able to choose, according to the clinical characteristics of the patients, whether to perform a single shot injection of anesthetic or a continuous infusion of anesthetic. In the second case a catheter will be left in place and connected to an infusion pump.

Where this trial is running

Alessandria, AL and 37 other locations

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.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Arrhythmic StormElectrical StormVentricular FibrillationVentricular TachycardiaPSGBL-PSGBPercutaneous Stellate Ganglion BlockPercutaneous Stellate Ganglion Blockade
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.