Blalock-Taussig procedure
Blalock-Taussig Procedure
The Blalock-Taussig Procedure (pronounced: BLAY-lock TOW-sig), also known as the Blalock-Taussig shunt, is a surgical procedure used to increase pulmonary blood flow for palliation in children born with cyanotic heart defects like Tetralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary atresia, and Tricuspid atresia.
Etymology
The procedure is named after Alfred Blalock, an American surgeon, and his laboratory assistant, Vivien Thomas, who developed the procedure, and Helen B. Taussig, a pediatric cardiologist who introduced it into clinical practice.
Procedure
In the Blalock-Taussig procedure, a shunt is created surgically to establish a connection between the systemic and pulmonary circulation. This is done by connecting the subclavian artery or carotid artery to the pulmonary artery. The procedure is typically performed on newborns or young infants.
Related Terms
- Cyanotic heart defect: A group of many different heart defects that are present at birth (congenital). In all of these defects, less oxygen-rich blood reaches the tissues of the body. This can lead to cyanosis, a bluish-purple color to the skin and mucous membranes.
- Tetralogy of Fallot: A rare condition caused by a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth.
- Pulmonary atresia: A form of heart disease that occurs from birth (congenital), in which the pulmonary valve does not form properly.
- Tricuspid atresia: A type of congenital heart disease in which the tricuspid heart valve is missing or abnormally developed.
- Subclavian artery: A major artery of the upper thorax, below the clavicle.
- Carotid artery: A major blood vessel in the neck that supplies blood to the brain, neck, and face.
- Pulmonary artery: The artery carrying blood from the right ventricle of the heart to the lungs for oxygenation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Blalock-Taussig procedure
- Wikipedia's article - Blalock-Taussig procedure
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