Actively Recruiting
Left Sided Stellate Ganglion Blocks Impact on Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery: A Pilot Study
Led by University of Minnesota · Updated on 2025-09-04
48
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether adding an ultrasound guided left-sided stellate ganglion block with bupivacaine can reduce the rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing thoracic surgeries like esophagectomy, pneumonectomy, or lobectomy. This pilot study is a phase 4, randomized, triple-blind trial sponsored by the University of Minnesota focusing on patients aged 18 to 85. The study compares this approach to the standard care involving an ultrasound guided block with saline. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving an ultrasound guided left stellate ganglion block with 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and the other receiving a similar block with 5 mL of saline as a sham comparator. The study is designed to monitor and compare the effects of these interventions on postoperative heart rhythm irregularities following major thoracic surgery. Throughout the study, participants will be closely monitored for signs of atrial fibrillation, other arrhythmias, and any adverse events up to 168 hours (7 days) after surgery. The primary outcome measure focuses on the presence of these heart rhythm issues following the intervention. The total duration of participant involvement covers this immediate postoperative period where the effects of the block are assessed to determine its impact on cardiac rhythm after surgery.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Stellate Ganglion Block
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients undergoing esophagectomy, pneumonectomy, or lobectomy aged 18-85.
You will not qualify if you...
- Patients who have an exclusion to regional anesthesia.
- Patients who have exclusion to stellate blockade.
- Patients who are pregnant assessed via self-report or pregnancy test if they have taken one.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single administration on the day of surgery
Participants receive an ultrasound guided left stellate ganglion block with either 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine or 5 mL of saline before thoracic surgery.
1 visit (in-person) on surgery day
Duration - 168 hours after surgery
Participants are monitored for atrial fibrillation, other arrhythmias, and adverse events after surgery.
Approximately daily visits during the 7 days after surgery
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55455
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
C
Candace Nelson
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
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