Blalock–Taussig shunt

Blalock–Taussig shunt is a surgical procedure used to increase pulmonary blood flow for palliation in duct dependent cyanotic heart defects. These are the heart defects in which blood flow to the lungs is significantly reduced due to a defect in the heart. The procedure is named after Alfred Blalock, a 20th-century American surgeon, and Helen B. Taussig, an American cardiologist, who together developed the procedure at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore in 1944.

Procedure

The Blalock–Taussig shunt involves creating a connection between the systemic circulation (the aorta or one of its branches) and the pulmonary circulation (the pulmonary artery). This is typically achieved by placing a graft between the subclavian artery (a branch of the aorta) and the pulmonary artery. The graft is usually made of Gore-Tex, a synthetic material.

Indications

The Blalock–Taussig shunt is used in children with cyanotic heart defects, which are conditions that result in insufficient oxygenation of the blood due to a defect in the heart. These include conditions such as Tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and tricuspid atresia. The shunt is used as a palliative procedure, meaning it does not cure the underlying heart defect but helps to increase the oxygenation of the blood.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgical procedures, the Blalock–Taussig shunt carries some risks. These include the risks associated with general anesthesia, infection, and bleeding. Specific complications related to the shunt itself include shunt blockage, shunt infection, and pulmonary overcirculation.

History

The Blalock–Taussig shunt was first performed in 1944 by Alfred Blalock and Helen B. Taussig at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. The first patient was a 15-month-old child with Tetralogy of Fallot. The procedure was a success and marked a major advancement in the treatment of congenital heart defects.

See also

• Congenital heart defect
• Cardiac surgery
• Palliative care