Blalock–Thomas–Taussig shunt

Blalock–Taussig shunt
Modified Blalock–Thomas–Taussig Shunt connecting right subclavian artery to pulmonary artery
Other namesBlalock–Taussig shunt, BTT shunt
SpecialtyCardiothoracic surgery
UsesPulmonary atresia, tetralogy of Fallot
ComplicationsChylothorax, phrenic nerve injury, pulmonary oedema, shunt stenosis, subclavian steal syndrome
ApproachThoracotomy or sternotomy
TypesClassical, modified

The Blalock–Thomas–Taussig shunt (BTT shunt),[1] previously known as the Blalock–Taussig Shunt (BT shunt),[2] is a surgical procedure used to increase blood flow to the lungs in some forms of congenital heart disease[3] such as pulmonary atresia and tetralogy of Fallot, which are common causes of blue baby syndrome.[3] The procedure involves connecting a branch of the subclavian artery or carotid artery to the pulmonary artery. In modern practice, this procedure is temporarily used to direct blood flow to the lungs and relieve cyanosis while the infant is waiting for corrective or definitive surgery when their heart is larger. The BTT shunt is used in the first step of the three-stage palliation (the Norwood procedure).

  1. ^ Blake, Kathleen; Yancy, Clyde W. (2022-04-01). "Change the Name of the Blalock–Taussig Shunt to Blalock–Thomas–Taussig Shunt". JAMA Surgery. 157 (4): 287–288. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2021.5611. ISSN 2168-6254. PMID 34964811. S2CID 245538449.
  2. ^ Alahmadi, Mohamed H.; Bishop, Michael A. (2023-10-14). "Modified Blalock-Taussig-Thomas Shunt". StatPearls. PMID 37983362.
  3. ^ a b Yuan, Shi-Min; Shinfeld, Amihay; Raanani, Ehud (March 2009). "The Blalock–Taussig shunt". Journal of Cardiac Surgery. 24 (2): 101–108. doi:10.1111/j.1540-8191.2008.00758.x. ISSN 1540-8191. PMID 19040408.