Ultrasound Guided Stellate Ganglion Block in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome

Last updated: October 10, 2025
Sponsor: Stanford University
Overall Status: Active - Not Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Dysrhythmia

Heart Disease

Fast Heart Rate (Tachycardia)

Treatment

Ropivacaine

Sham injection of saline

Normal saline

Clinical Study ID

NCT06953661
80519
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This single-center study aims to evaluate both immediate and long-term outcomes of stellate ganglion block (SGB) in a cohort of rigorously phenotyped patients with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). By assessing the effects of SGB, this study seeks to determine its viability as an intervention for symptom control in POTS.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adult patients (>18 years of age) diagnosed with POTS

  • Ability to provide informed consent

  • Ability to comply with 3 follow up visits

  • English speaking and capable of signing informed consent and complying with protocolrequirements

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Allergy to local anesthetics

  • Severe coagulopathy

  • History of or currently being treated for clinically significant ongoing cardiacarrhythmia, heart failure, myocarditis, pulmonary embolism requiringanticoagulation, pulmonary fibrosis or other pulmonary diagnosis that in theinvestigator's opinion may contribute to symptoms of POTS

  • Inability to maintain a stable medication regiment for the duration of the study

Study Design

Total Participants: 20
Treatment Group(s): 4
Primary Treatment: Ropivacaine
Phase:
Study Start date:
October 13, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
November 30, 2026

Study Description

Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous condition affecting approximately 0.2% of the global population, predominantly young women of childbearing age. It is characterized by significant functional impairment and a constellation of symptoms, including lightheadedness, cognitive dysfunction, blurred vision, irritability, palpitations, and chest discomfort, which occur upon standing and improve when lying down. Although current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments alleviate symptoms for some patients, many remain significantly disabled. These challenges highlight the urgent need for novel treatment strategies, particularly non-pharmacological approaches.

This study is a randomized controlled trial with a control group. The study team will enroll 20 patients with POTS, assigning 10 to the intervention group and 10 to the control group.

The goal of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of SGB in improving heart rate, markers of sympathetic hyperactivity, and POTS symptoms comparing to a sham saline injection.

Connect with a study center

  • Stanford University

    Stanford, California 94305
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Stanford University School of Medicine

    Stanford, California 94304
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Stanford University

    Stanford 5398563, California 5332921 94305
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Stanford University School of Medicine

    Stanford 5398563, California 5332921 94304
    United States

    Site Not Available

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