Reduced Perioperative Bleeding With Use of Saphenous Vein Homograft as Blalock-Taussig-Thomas Shunt.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), traditionally used for construction of Blalock-Taussig-Thomas (BTT) shunt, is associated with complications such as perioperative bleeding, thrombosis, and stenosis. Saphenous vein homografts (SVHs) are theoretically more hemostatic and less thrombogenic.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all infants who underwent BTT shunt placement between January 2015 and May 2023 to compare the use of blood and blood products in the operating room and within the first 24 hours after cardiac intensive care unit admission. Morbidity (unplanned reoperations, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation requirement, or dialysis) was also compared.

Results

Of 78 infants who underwent BTT shunt placement, 26 (33%) received SVH and 52

SUBMITTER: Kumar TKS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12712163 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature