Blalock Thomas Taussig shunt
Blalock Thomas Taussig shunt
The Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt is a surgical procedure used to increase pulmonary blood flow for palliation in cyanotic congenital heart defects, such as tetralogy of Fallot. This procedure was first performed in 1944 by Alfred Blalock, Vivien Thomas, and Helen Taussig at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
History[edit | edit source]
The development of the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt was a groundbreaking advancement in the treatment of congenital heart defects. Helen Taussig, a pediatric cardiologist, conceptualized the idea of creating a shunt to increase blood flow to the lungs. She collaborated with Alfred Blalock, a surgeon, and Vivien Thomas, a surgical technician, to develop the procedure.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The procedure involves creating a connection between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery using a graft. This allows for increased blood flow to the lungs, improving oxygenation in patients with cyanotic heart defects. The original technique used the patient's own subclavian artery, but modern variations often use a synthetic graft.
Indications[edit | edit source]
The Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt is primarily indicated for patients with tetralogy of Fallot and other cyanotic heart defects where increased pulmonary blood flow is needed. It serves as a palliative measure until definitive corrective surgery can be performed.
Complications[edit | edit source]
Potential complications of the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt include thrombosis, infection, and stenosis of the shunt. Long-term follow-up is necessary to monitor for these complications and to determine the timing of further surgical interventions.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
The Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt marked the beginning of modern cardiac surgery and paved the way for the development of more complex surgical techniques. The collaboration between Blalock, Thomas, and Taussig is celebrated as a pioneering moment in medical history.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
- [Johns Hopkins Medicine: History of the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig Shunt](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/)
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