Blalock-Taussig anastomosis

The Blalock-Taussig shunt or Blalock-Taussig shunt (by Alfred Blalock , Surgeon, Baltimore, 1899-1964 and Helen B. Taussig , cardiologist, Baltimore / Boston, 1898-1986) is earlier than final today as preparatory palliative surgery at used for certain cyanotic heart defects . A branch of the subclavian artery (or common carotid artery ) is severed and connected (anastomosed) to the pulmonary artery (pulmonary artery). This brings blood from the body's cyanotic circulation to the lungs so that more blood can flow through the lungs and take in oxygen. The cyanosis is alleviated until corrective or definitive palliative surgery can be performed.

A classic reason for application is the Fallot tetralogy , more recently other heart defects from the single ventricle shape circle have been added. The severing of the branch of the subclavian artery usually has no negative effects on the growth of the affected arm. The first operation took place on November 29, 1944.

Towards the end of the 20th century, modern medical technology brought about the modified Blalock-Taussig anastomosis, in which the subclavian artery is no longer severed, but is connected to the pulmonary artery by an artificial vessel (Goretex shunt). An alternative form of operation is the Kirklin shunt , in which a central shunt is placed between the aorta and pulmonary artery trunk.

The development of the surgical technique, in which, besides Blalock and Taussig, Vivien Thomas also played a key role, was filmed in 2004 under the title " A Work of God " based on Thomas' autobiography "Partners of the Heart" .

literature

Blalock A, Taussig HB (1945): The surgical treatment of malformations of the heart in which there is pulmonary stenosis or pulmonary atresia. JAMA 128: 189-202.

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