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Pre‐emptive stellate ganglion block increases the patency of radial artery grafts in coronary artery bypass surgery
Author(s) -
Yildirim V.,
Akay H. T.,
Bingol H.,
Bolcal C.,
Iyem H.,
Doğanci S.,
Demirkilic U.,
Tatar H.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
acta anaesthesiologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1399-6576
pISSN - 0001-5172
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2006.01260.x
Subject(s) - medicine , radial artery , artery , cardiology , coronary artery bypass surgery , inotrope , blood flow , ropivacaine , ventricular fibrillation , anesthesia , atrial fibrillation , surgery
Background: We evaluated the role of pre‐emptive stellate ganglion block (SGB) in preventing radial artery spasm and increasing radial artery graft patency in patients undergoing off‐pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: In this prospective randomized study, 100 patients were divided into two equal groups ( n = 50). In group A, SGB was achieved using 10 ml of ropivacaine and, in group B, SGB was not performed. Radial artery blood flow was measured pre‐ and intra‐operatively. Post‐operative clinical determinants (S–T segment elevation, use of inotropic agents, incidence of atrial fibrillation) were recorded. Early coronary angiography was performed. Results: According to blood flowmeter measurements, the radial artery blood flow was significantly increased in patients with SGB. The incidence of atrial fibrillation, the need for inotropic agents and S–T segment elevation were all decreased in the SGB group. Angiographic intervention revealed that the incidence of graft spasm was also lower in the SGB group. Conclusion: Pre‐emptive SGB is an effective method for increasing radial artery blood flow and preventing radial artery spasm. Complications related to radial artery spasm may be decreased and patients may have a more comfortable post‐operative period with this method.