Blalock–Taussig shunt

The Blalock - Taussig anastomosis or Blalock - Taussig shunt ( Alfred Blalock, surgeon, Baltimore, 1899-1964 and Helen Brooke Taussig, cardiologist, Baltimore / Boston, 1898-1986 ), is earlier than final, today as preparatory palliative surgery certain cyanotic heart defects used. A branch of the subclavian artery (or common carotid artery ) is separated and the pulmonary artery ( pulmonary artery ) connected. Thus, the lung blood from the cyanotic circulation is supplied, then that more blood flows through the lungs and absorb oxygen. Cyanosis is tempered until a final correction or palliative surgery may be performed.

A classic application of reason is the tetralogy of Fallot, recently added another heart defect from the Single Ventricle - form circle. Has Separating the branch of the subclavian artery is usually no negative effects on the growth of the affected arm. The first operation took place on 29 November 1944.

Towards the end of the 20th century came with the modern medical technology to the modified Blalock - Taussig anastomosis in which the subclavian artery is not severed, but by an artificial vessel ( Goretex shunt) is connected to the pulmonary artery. An alternative form of operation is the Kirklin shunt, in which a central shunt between the aorta and Pulmonalarterienstamm is applied.

The development of the surgical technique on the next Blalock Taussig and Vivien Thomas was also largely involved, was filmed by Thomas ' autobiography "Partners of the Heart " under the title " A work of God " in 2004.