Details of Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt

It is a palliative procedure to treat the defects which disrupt the blood circulation from the right ventricle, through the pulmonary artery, and to the lungs. It does not solve the problem but it helps in solving the symptoms till the child becomes older or the defects get repaired by themselves.

May include:

• Breathlessness 
• Heart defects 
• Artery damage 
• Disruption of blood circulation

May be recommended:

• Electrocardiography (ECG).
• Echocardiography.
• MRI, CT or X-ray.
• Electrophysiology study (EPS). 
• Holter monitoring.

During the procedure, a small tube made of synthetic material named GORE-TEX is used to attache a section of the aorta to the pulmonary artery making a passage. Which allows a good blood circulation through the lungs with high oxygen. It is almost similar to the role of the ductus arteriosus. It is generally done for 4-5 month till the child becomes a bit older and then the definitive repair is performed.

May include:

• Shunt blockage 
• Tube infection
• Excessive blood circulation
• Vessel damage 
• Low blood circulation