Indications and results of systemic to pulmonary shunts: results from a national database

Abstract

The observed historical rise in mortality for shunt operations relates to complex factors including changing practice for repair of ToF and for univentricular palliation. PA and SV patients are the groups of patients at the highest risk of death. Small size, shunt type and underlying anatomical defect are the main determinants of outcomes. Trends in indication and mortality seem to indicate that more severely ill patients benefit from shunting, but with an increase in mortality.