title: A novel technique for creation of a systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunt.
abstract: A systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunt is still widely used for palliation of some neonates with cyanotic congenital cardiac lesions. This procedure, however, is well known to be associated with some degree of morbidity and mortality. To reduce the incidence of iatrogenic pulmonary arterial deformities, we have devised a new and simple technique to create the shunt using a partial sternotomy, and have used our technique in 10 neonates with cyanotic cardiac malformations. All but one of our patients survived, and an early reoperation was needed in only one further patient for revision of the shunt. Successful bidirectional Glenn procedures were performed in five of the nine surviving patients within 18 months of the initial procedure. We believe that our technique provides superior palliation by permitting equal enlargement of the right and left pulmonary arteries, and thus facilitates subsequent completion of the Fontan circulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Institute of Cardiology, Medical Faculty of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gürkan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cetin
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ozkara
authors.forename: Ilksen
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Söyler
authors.forename: Emin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tireli
mesh_terms: D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010166:Palliative Care; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery