Effects of thoracic sympathetic stimulation on palmar perfusion: a preliminary study in pigs

Objective: Ablation of the upper thoracic sympathetic ganglia that innervates the hands is the most effective and permanent cure of palmar hyperhidrosis. However, this type of sympathectomy causes irreversible neural damage and may result in severe compensatory hyperhidrosis. This experiment is designed to confirm the hypothesis, in which the stimulation of T2 sympathetic chain leads to increased palmar microcirculation, and thus results in treating hyperhidrosis.

Methods: In this study, we used electric stimulation to induce reversible blockade of the sympathetic ganglion in pigs and investigated its effect on palmar perfusion. An electrode was inserted to the T2 sympathetic ganglion of the pig through three different approaches: open dorsal, thoracoscopic, and fluoroscopy-guided approaches. Electric stimulation was delivered through the electrode using clinically available pulse generators. Palmar microcirculation was evaluated by laser speckle contrast imaging.

Results: The T2 sympathetic ganglion of the pig was successfully accessed by all the three approaches, as confirmed by changes in palmar microcirculation during electric stimulation. Similar effects were not observed when the electrode was placed on the T4 sympathetic ganglion or off the sympathetic trunk.

Conclusion: We established a large animal model to verify the effect of thoracic sympathetic stimulation. Electric stimulation can be used for sympathetic blockade, as confirmed by increased blood perfusion of the palm. Our work suggests that sympathetic stimulation is a potential solution for palmar hyperhidrosis.