Enduring Surgical Approach: The Systemic-to-Pulmonary Artery Shunt in Congenital Heart Defect Management

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The systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt is a key surgical option for managing complex congenital heart defects, especially in univentricular physiology.
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The Blalock-Taussig-Thomas shunt has evolved through modifications aimed at simplifying the procedure and minimizing complications.
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Complications from the shunt can include pulmonary edema, right-sided heart failure, and pulmonary venous hypertension, necessitating careful postoperative management.
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Emerging alternatives like ductal stenting may reduce the need for surgical shunt placement but do not replace the systemic-to-pulmonary shunt.
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The systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt remains one of the ten most performed pediatric cardiac surgeries, highlighting its clinical relevance.

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