Key result
A modified out-of-plane approach with a microconvex probe for stellate ganglion block shortened the distance to the longus colli muscle and achieved hemostasis in a patient on anticoagulation.
Why the study?
Stellate ganglion block is effective for refractory ventricular tachycardia, but the common in-plane approach with a linear probe carries a risk of hematoma from vascular injury, particularly during anticoagulation.
Does a modified out-of-plane approach with a micro-convex probe improve the safety of stellate ganglion block in a patient with refractory ventricular tachycardia on anticoagulation?
Case Report (n=1)
Does a modified out-of-plane approach with a micro-convex probe improve the safety of stellate ganglion block in a patient with refractory ventricular tachycardia on anticoagulation?
A modified out-of-plane ultrasound-guided approach using a micro-convex probe may facilitate safe stellate ganglion block in anticoagulated patients by enabling direct compression for hemostasis.
May facilitate safe stellate ganglion block in anticoagulated patients; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation.
Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is effective in treating refractory ventricular tachycardia. The most common approach to ultrasound-guided SGB is in-plane with a liner probe. However, SGB is prone to hematoma formation as a result of vascular injury, particularly when anticoagulation is used. By performing a modified out-of-plane approach with a microconvex probe and separating the common carotid artery and thyroid cartilage, we were able to shorten the distance to the longus colli muscle. Furthermore, by performing compression with a microconvex probe while viewing an ultrasound image, we were able to achieve hemostasis.
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Hamamatsu et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Refractory ventricular tachycardia with anticoagulation (n=1). Ultrasound-guided modified out-of-plane approach with micro-convex probe for stellate ganglion block was evaluated on Hemostasis and distance to longus colli muscle. A modified out-of-plane approach with a microconvex probe for stellate ganglion block shortened the distance to the longus colli muscle and achieved hemostasis in a patient on anticoagulation.
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