Sano shunt

Sano shunt is a medical procedure used in the treatment of congenital heart disease. It is named after the Japanese surgeon who first described it, Shunji Sano.

Overview

The Sano shunt is a modification of the Norwood procedure, which is used to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome and other similar conditions. The Sano shunt involves the placement of a conduit from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, allowing blood to flow directly from the heart to the lungs.

Procedure

The Sano shunt procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. A tube made of synthetic material is then attached to the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. This tube, or shunt, allows blood to bypass the underdeveloped left side of the heart and flow directly to the lungs, where it can pick up oxygen.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgeries, the Sano shunt procedure carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. There is also a risk of the shunt becoming blocked or failing over time. Regular follow-up appointments with a cardiologist are necessary to monitor the function of the shunt.

Aftercare

After the Sano shunt procedure, the patient will need to take medications to prevent blood clots and to manage heart function. Regular follow-up appointments with a cardiologist are also necessary to monitor the function of the shunt and to check for any potential complications.

See Also

• Congenital heart disease
• Norwood procedure
• Shunji Sano

References

Sano shunt Resources
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