The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 32, 97-98, Copyright © 1981 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Use of silicone rubber to facilitate shunt takedown
H Laks
The takedown of systemic-pulmonary artery shunts at the time of corrective
operation is time-consuming and potentially dangerous because of adhesions
at the previous operative site. A method of facilitating shunt takedown is
described in which a strip of silicone rubber is used to surround the
subclavian artery or polytetrafluoroethylene graft interposed between the
subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery. The ends of the strip are left
loosely attached to the anterior mediastinum so that an adhesion-free plane
is left between the strips down to the shunt. The experience of the Yale
University School of Medicine with this technique in 14 patients is
described. Five underwent reoperation, at which time the silicone rubber
strip facilitated access to the shunt and shunt takedown.