Journal of Japan Society of Pain Clinicians
Online ISSN : 1884-1791
Print ISSN : 1340-4903
ISSN-L : 1340-4903
A case of refractory ventricular tachycardia successfully treated with stellate ganglion block
Natsuko YAMAMOTOToshihiro KONNOAkira NEMOTOTetsu KIMURAYukitoshi NIIYAMA
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2025 Volume 32 Issue 7 Pages 183-186

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Abstract

Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is an effective treatment for refractory ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia that do not respond to antiarrhythmic medications. We present a case of successful management of defibrillation events through periodic SGB in a patient who experienced frequent activation of an implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) due to intractable ventricular tachycardia. The patient was not a candidate for thoracic sympathectomy due to impaired cardiac function. However, continuous left and right SGB effectively suppressed defibrillator activations for an extended period. Since defibrillation can cause anxiety and fear in patients, reducing the frequency of these activations through SGB also lessens the psychological burden on the patient. However, it is unclear which SGB is more effective, left or right, how often treatment should be given, and the ideal interval between each block. Further research is needed to address these questions.

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© 2025 Japan Society of Pain Clinicians
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