Journal of Pain Research (Jun 2024)
Objective Evaluation of Stellate Ganglion Block Effects Using Ultrasound Wave Intensity Technology: A Study on Hemodynamics
Abstract
Yayun Gan,1 Jian Chen,1 Lini Xian,2 Yuan Shi2 1Department of Ultrasound, The First Hospital of Kunming City, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650011, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Ultrasound, Yanan Hospital of Kunming City, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650051, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jian Chen, The First Hospital of Kunming City, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650011, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected]: Emerging evidence suggests that although Horner’s syndrome manifests observable facial changes, it may not comprehensively evaluate the hemodynamic alterations associated with stellate ganglion block (SGB). This study endeavors to systematically evaluate the influence of SGB on the elasticity and flow velocity of the common carotid artery (CCA) and brachial artery utilizing ultrasound wave intensity analysis (usWIA). Particularly, it focuses on patients necessitating monitoring for its effects on specific organs or regions.Methods: Totally, we selected 33 patients, where only 31 patients (comprising 15 males and 16 females) were included between September 2020 to January 2022 after screening patients who require SGB treatment for painful disorders. The side on which the SGB was administered depended on the patient’s painful side, 13 cases underwent left stellate ganglion block (LSGB), and 18 cases underwent right stellate ganglion block (RSGB). Wave intensity (WI) data were collected by usWIA on the CCA and brachial artery before the administration of SGB and after the manifestation of Horner’s syndrome. We then compared the changes in these data pre- and post-SGB using SPSS 26.0.Results: The results showed an increase in arterial compliance (AC) of the CCA and brachial artery on the blocked side after SGB (P < 0.05). In contrast, pressure-strain elastic modulus (EP) and arterial stiffness pulse wave velocity (PWVβ) decreased (for all P < 0.05). Furthermore, the minimum velocity (Vmin) of the CCA exhibited a significant increase (P < 0.01), while wave intensity pulse wave velocity (PWVwi) was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). In contrast, on the contralateral side of the CCA, EP and PWVβ increased after SGB (for all P < 0.05), while AC decreased (P < 0.05).Conclusion: SGB has been observed to enhance the elasticity and blood flow velocity of arteries within its innervated areas. In clinical practice, usWIA can serve as an objective measurement tool for assessing the impact of SGB on arterial elasticity and flow velocity in specific organs or regions. Furthermore, unilateral SGB has been noted to diminish the arterial elasticity of the CCA on the contralateral side.The plain language summary: Question: How to accurately and objectively evaluate the hemodynamic changes of SGB on targeted organs or regions?Findings: SGB increased the elasticity and blood flow velocity of the arteries on the blocked side by usWIA.Meaning: The usWIA could serve as an objective measurement tool for assessing the effects of SGB on arterial elasticity and blood flow velocity, especially for patients needing evaluation of its impact on the upper limbs.Keywords: ultrasound wave intensity analysis, stellate ganglion block, hemodynamics, arterial elasticity
