Blalock-Taussig Shunt
The Blalock-Taussig Shunt is a surgical procedure used to improve blood flow to the lungs in patients with certain congenital heart defects, such as Tetralogy of Fallot. This shunt creates a connection between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to reach the lungs for oxygenation.
Developed by surgeons Alfred Blalock and Helen Taussig in the 1940s, the procedure has been a significant advancement in pediatric cardiology. It is often performed as a temporary measure until more definitive surgical repairs can be made, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for affected children.