Blalock- Taussig Shunt

The Blalock-Taussig procedure is a surgery in which a detour (shunt) is created from the aorta to the pulmonary artery. The surgery is performed on infants and young children who are born with a congenital heart defect that reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood circulating in the body. The Blalock-Taussig procedure is performed as a temporary solution. In other words, it will improve the immediate signs and symptoms of the underlying heart defect, but it will not correct it. Other surgeries are usually necessary in the future to repair the defect itself.The surgery involves making an incision in the chest.