Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Acute Blalock-Taussig Shunt Obstruction

Abstract

Acute obstruction of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt may result in life-threatening hypoxia in patients with shunt-dependent pulmonary circulation. We here report successful relief of shunt blockage due to thrombosis in immediate postoperative period with transcatheter thrombolysis by Urokinase in an infant. Our case highlights the need of early diagnosis as well as the important role of emergent catheter-directed thrombolysis as an effective rescue strategy to restore the patency of acutely thrombosed Blalock-Taussig shunt.