modified Blalock-Taussig shunt
Pronunciation: BLAY-lock TAW-sig
Palliative cardiac procedure creating artificial connection between systemic and pulmonary circulation.
Full Definition
The modified Blalock-Taussig shunt is a palliative cardiac surgical procedure primarily used in congenital heart disease to increase pulmonary blood flow in patients with cyanotic heart defects. Unlike the original Blalock-Taussig shunt which used the subclavian artery directly, the modified version uses a synthetic conduit (usually PTFE) to connect the subclavian artery to the pulmonary artery. This procedure serves as a bridge to more definitive repair and requires careful documentation of shunt size, position, and post-operative function.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as BT shunt. Always specify 'modified' to distinguish from the original procedure.
In Context
- "A 4mm modified Blalock-Taussig shunt was placed from the right subclavian artery." — Congenital heart surgery report
- "The patient's BT shunt remained patent with good flow on follow-up echocardiogram." — Pediatric cardiology note