Effect of Stellate Ganglion Block on Internal Mammary Artery Dynamics: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
Diaaeldin Badr Aboelnile, Mahmoud AbdAlaziz Ghallab, Ehab Hamed Abdelsalam Attia et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled clinical trial assessed whether preoperative left stellate ganglion block (LSGB) affects left internal mammary artery (LIMA) dynamics in 70 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients received LSGB or control care; both groups also received topical nitroglycerin during LIMA harvesting. Compared with controls, the LSGB group had greater LIMA free flow after harvesting (50.57 ± 5.79 mL/min vs 46.86 ± 8.32 mL/min; P = 0.034) and a larger measured LIMA diameter (2.38 ± 0.17 mm vs 2.31 ± 0.14 mm; P = 0.04).
Key findings
- LIMA free flow was 50.57 ± 5.79 mL/min with LSGB and 46.86 ± 8.32 mL/min in controls (P = 0.034).
- Measured LIMA diameter was 2.38 ± 0.17 mm with LSGB versus 2.31 ± 0.14 mm in controls (P = 0.04).
Why it matters
LIMA is commonly used for coronary bypass grafting, and its flow and calibre are relevant intraoperative measures. This trial suggests that preoperative sympathetic blockade may increase both measures in elective CABG patients receiving topical nitroglycerin. The findings add clinical evidence about a potential way to influence conduit dynamics, while not establishing effects on graft patency or patient outcomes.
What to keep in mind
The abstract reports conduit measurements but no graft patency or patient outcome data.