ObjectiveTo evaluate the surgical outcomes of modified Blalock-Taussig shunts in the patients with congenital heart diseases of diminutive pulmonary blood.
MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 39 patients with congenital heart diseases of diminutive pulmonary blood, who underwent modified Blalock-Taussig shunts with Gore-Tex vessels in the First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine between June 2007 and June 2013. There were 23 male and 16 female patients at age of 6 months to 16 years (4.64±3.85) years, body weigh at 4.5-43.0 (14.81±8.69) kg.
ResultsThere were 4 postoperative deaths. The early mortality was 7.69% (3/39). The arterial oxygen saturation increased from 64.28%±8.05% to 81.07%±5.76% (P < 0.01). Ideal pulmonary flow in each patient was obtained. Pulmonary arteries were significantly improved compared with those before operation. McGoon ratio (1.11±0.16 versus 1.58±0.22, P < 0.01) and Nakata index (113.98±14.84 mm2/m2 versus 160.98±26.65 mm2/m2, P < 0.01) increased with a statistical difference. Two-stage radical operations were performed in 8 patients.
ConclusionsModified Blalock-Taussig shunt is effective in promoting development of the pulmonary arteries and improving cyanosis significantly. Modified Blalock-Taussig shunt can correct hypoxia to prepare for the radical operation．
