modified Blalock-Taussig shunt
Pronunciation: BLAY-lock TAW-sig
Synthetic conduit connecting the subclavian artery to pulmonary artery to increase pulmonary blood flow in cyanotic congenital heart disease.
Full Definition
A modified Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt is a synthetic tube graft, typically made of Gore-Tex, that connects the subclavian artery to the ipsilateral pulmonary artery to provide controlled pulmonary blood flow in patients with reduced pulmonary circulation. This modification of the original Blalock-Taussig shunt uses a prosthetic conduit rather than direct anastomosis, allowing for better flow control and preservation of subclavian artery patency. The shunt is commonly used as a bridge to definitive repair in complex congenital heart disease or as part of staged single-ventricle palliation. Anesthetic management requires careful attention to shunt patency and balanced systemic-to-pulmonary flow ratios.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as shown; named after Drs. Alfred Blalock and Helen Taussig.
In Context
- "A 3.5-mm modified Blalock-Taussig shunt was placed from the right subclavian artery to the right pulmonary artery." — Operative report
- "The patient's oxygen saturation improved to 85% following placement of the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt." — Postoperative note