Abstract

To determine whether changes in QT interval or arrhythmias occur following stellate ganglion blockade in patients without preexisting long-QT-interval syndrome, 17 patients were evaluated. None of the nine patients receiving right blockade nor the eight receiving left blockade had any significant history of heart disease, and no significant dysrhythmias occurred in any of these patients. Electrocardiographic monitoring is probably not required in patients without underlying heart disease but may be advisable when stellate ganglion blockade is planned for patients with preexisting heart disease.