A Novel Unidirectional-Valved Shunt Approach for End-Stage Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Early Experience in Adolescents and Adults

Despite advances in treatment of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), there remains no medical cure and patients can experience disease progression leading to right heart failure, progressive exercise intolerance and death. The reversed Potts shunt (left pulmonary artery to descending aorta) was re-introduced for treatment of end-stage IPAH to permit decompression of the suprasystemic right ventricle by right to left shunting, with preservation of upper body oxygenation. The shunt has the potential to delay the need for lung transplantation and offer a treatment for those who are transplant ineligible.
Source: The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Source Type: research