Stage 1 Single Ventricle Palliation - BT shunt

Stage 1 Single Ventricle Palliation - BT shunt 

This can be done with or without the support of cardiopulmonary bypass. These days the surgery is done commonly through the front of the chest. BT shunt is done when enough blood is not reaching the lungs and the baby is blue before the time that stage 2 can be safely performed. In this procedure extra blood supply is provided to the lungs, such that there is better oxygenation and the baby's blue color is taken care of till the next stage of surgery. A small artificial blood tube is connected from the aorta to the pulmonary artery. This blood tube carries extra blood to the lungs and helps in improving oxygen content of the blood. BT shunt may also be done for conditions such as: pulmonary atresia, pulmonary stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot, hypoplastic left heart syndrome and tricuspid atresia.