How Is It Treated? - Part 1
If a Patent (open) Ductus Arteriosus ((PDA) ) is required, a surgical procedure to direct more blood to the lungs will be necessary. This involves the insertion of a Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt, a small tube made of Gore-Tex® (yellow in the rollover at left) that connects the aorta and pulmonary artery. Though in a different position, the "B-T Shunt" has much the same function as the Patent Ductus Arteriosus.
This is the first stage of a three stage surgical repair for single ventricle defects. The infant will outgrow the B-T shunt as it is artificial material by approximately 6 months of age. The next stage is a Bi-directional Glenn which uses the superior vena cava to provide pulmonary blood flow and the B-T Shunt removed.