Parents
Dictionary: Blalock-Taussig-Thomas (BTT) shunt
Blalock-Taussig-Thomas (BTT) shunt: A Blalock-Taussig-Thomas (BTT) shunt is a small, soft tube that lets blood in the body be redirected.
Heart surgeons use BTT shunts to connect the subclavian artery (a smaller artery that comes off of the aorta) to the pulmonary artery. This helps increase blood flow to the lungs.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.