Blalock Thomas Taussig shunt

Blalock Thomas Taussig shunt
File:Blalock-Taussig shunt diagram.png Diagram of a Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt
Specialty	{{#statements:P1995}}
ICD-10-PCS	Z95.2
ICD-9-CM	39.0
MeSH	D001766

The Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt is a surgical procedure used to increase pulmonary blood flow for palliation in patients with congenital heart defects that result in cyanosis, such as Tetralogy of Fallot. This procedure was first performed in 1944 and marked a significant advancement in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery.

History

The Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt was developed by Alfred Blalock, a pioneering American surgeon, in collaboration with his surgical technician Vivien Thomas and pediatric cardiologist Helen B. Taussig. The procedure was initially designed to treat "blue baby syndrome," a condition caused by Tetralogy of Fallot, which results in insufficient oxygenation of the blood.

Procedure

The procedure involves creating a connection between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery to increase blood flow to the lungs. This is typically done by using a synthetic graft or a section of the patient's own artery. The shunt allows more blood to reach the lungs, where it can be oxygenated, thus alleviating the symptoms of cyanosis.

Indications

The Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt is indicated in patients with:

• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Pulmonary atresia
• Other congenital heart defects that result in decreased pulmonary blood flow

Surgical Technique

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery. A graft is then sewn between these two vessels. The original procedure used the patient's own subclavian artery, but modern techniques often use a synthetic graft to avoid compromising blood flow to the arm.

Complications

Potential complications of the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt include:

• Thrombosis of the shunt
• Infection
• Hemorrhage
• Pulmonary overcirculation

Outcomes

The Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt is considered a palliative procedure, meaning it does not correct the underlying heart defect but rather alleviates symptoms. It is often used as a temporary measure until a more definitive surgical repair can be performed.

Legacy

The development of the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt was a landmark in cardiac surgery and paved the way for future innovations in the treatment of congenital heart defects. The collaboration between Blalock, Thomas, and Taussig is often cited as a model of interdisciplinary teamwork in medicine.

Also see

• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Congenital heart defect
• Pediatric cardiology
• Cardiac surgery