Systemic to Pulmonary Shunt Procedures
What is systemic to pulmonary shunt procedure?
The
systemic to pulmonary shunt procedure is a palliative (temporary)
procedure performed in children who are not getting enough
blood to the lungs to be oxygenated (blue babies). The typical
diagnosis associated with this procedure used to be tetralogy
of Fallot, although now most patients with tetralogy
of Fallot undergo complete correction early in
infancy. Currently the shunt procedure is used in more complex
defects such as tricuspid atresia.
Preparing for the procedure
Prior to cardiac surgery, the heart defect will be diagnosed with an EKG, a chest X-ray and an echocardiogram. Some children require cardiac catheterization to collect more information about the heart. All of this helps the staff prepare for the child's care after surgery. Before surgery, blood tests are conducted to be sure that there is no infection and no problem with clotting, and that normal electrolyte levels are in the blood. A blood test to determine the blood type and compatibility will be performed so blood will be available for the surgery.
During the procedure
During
this procedure, which is performed under general anesthesia,
special monitoring lines are placed. The chest is entered
with an incision between the ribs. A small, artificial graft
is placed between one of the systemic arteries and the pulmonary
artery to divert blood into the lungs. This can be done in
either the right or left chest depending on the circumstances.
A small chest tube is then placed for drainage, and the chest
is closed.
After the procedure
The
child will need several days to recover from general anesthesia
and surgery. The main goals during this time will be to return
the child to normalcy: breathing without the help of a tube,
drinking, eating, and controlling any pain from surgery.
Click here for recovery guidelines after discharge for congenital heart defect repair at the Inova Heart Center.
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Repair
- Ventricular Septal Defect
- Tetralogy of Fallot Repair
- Arterial Switch for TGA
- Atrioventricular Canal Surgery
- Bidirectional Glenn
- Fontan
- Heart Valve Repair and Replacement
- Ross Procedure for AVR
- Patent Ductus Arteniosus
- Coarctation of the Aorta Repair
- Systemic to Pulmonary Shunt
- Pediatric Recovery
