Blalock–Hanlon procedure

Blalock–Hanlon procedure is a surgical procedure used in pediatric cardiology to treat certain types of congenital heart defects. It was first performed by Alfred Blalock and C. Rollins Hanlon in the mid-20th century.

History

The Blalock–Hanlon procedure was first performed in 1948 by Alfred Blalock and C. Rollins Hanlon. The procedure was developed as a palliative treatment for transposition of the great arteries (TGA), a serious congenital heart defect.

Procedure

The Blalock–Hanlon procedure involves creating an atrial septal defect (ASD) in the heart. This is done by removing a portion of the atrial septum, the wall that separates the two upper chambers of the heart. The purpose of this procedure is to allow oxygen-rich blood from the left atrium to mix with oxygen-poor blood in the right atrium. This increases the overall oxygen content of the blood that is pumped to the body.

Indications

The Blalock–Hanlon procedure is indicated for patients with transposition of the great arteries who also have an inadequate or restrictive atrial septal defect. It may also be used in other conditions where increased mixing of blood in the atria is beneficial, such as pulmonary atresia or tricuspid atresia.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, the Blalock–Hanlon procedure carries risks. These include bleeding, infection, and damage to the heart or surrounding structures. Long-term complications can include arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and heart failure.

Alternatives

The Blalock–Hanlon procedure is less commonly performed today, as more definitive surgical treatments for transposition of the great arteries have been developed. These include the arterial switch operation and the Mustard procedure or Senning procedure, which are often preferred due to their lower risk of long-term complications.

See Also

• Congenital heart defect
• Pediatric cardiology
• Cardiac surgery