Professional
Technical
IVT
Central Shunt
A synthetic conduit connecting the ascending aorta to the main pulmonary artery to increase pulmonary blood flow.
Full Definition
A central shunt is a surgical palliation technique using a synthetic tube graft (typically Gore-Tex) to connect the ascending aorta directly to the main pulmonary artery. Unlike modified Blalock-Taussig shunts that connect the subclavian artery to pulmonary arteries, central shunts provide more controlled and predictable pulmonary blood flow. They are often used in complex congenital heart disease when other shunt configurations are not feasible due to anatomy or previous surgeries.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from peripheral shunts; always specify the exact anatomical connection when editing surgical reports.
In Context
- "The surgeon opted for a central shunt rather than a modified BT shunt due to the patient's diminutive subclavian arteries." — operative report
- "Post-operative echocardiography showed good flow through the central shunt with appropriate oxygen saturations." — discharge summary
Also known as
ascending aorta to pulmonary artery shunt
central aortopulmonary shunt
Contrasted with
modified Blalock-Taussig shunt
peripheral shunt
Don't confuse with
central venous shunt
Blalock-Taussig shunt