systemic venous baffle
Surgically created pathway that redirects systemic venous return in certain congenital heart operations.
Full Definition
A systemic venous baffle is an artificial conduit or tunnel created during cardiac surgery to redirect blood flow from the systemic veins. In atrial switch operations like the Mustard or Senning procedures, the baffle redirects systemic venous blood to the morphologic left ventricle, while pulmonary venous blood flows to the morphologic right ventricle. In Fontan operations, the baffle may direct inferior vena caval flow directly to the pulmonary arteries. Baffle obstruction, leaks, or stenosis are important long-term complications that require ongoing surveillance and may necessitate intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Specify whether referring to systemic or pulmonary venous baffle to avoid confusion.
In Context
- "MRI demonstrated mild systemic venous baffle stenosis at the superior vena caval connection." — imaging report
- "The patient developed a small baffle leak requiring percutaneous closure fifteen years post-Mustard." — catheterization report