Side of classic Blalock Taussig shunt

Side of classic Blalock Taussig shunt

Classic Blalock Taussig shunt (BT shunt) is done on the side opposite to that of the aortic arch so that the presence of brachiocephalic trunk prevents kinking of the subclavian artery which is mobilized down to anastomose with the pulmonary artery branch on the same side. In classic BT shunt the subclavian artery is divided proximal to the origin of the vertebral artery and there is a chance for subclavian steal syndrome. During arm exercise, reverse flow occurs in the vertebral artery to the exercising limb so that basilar artery flow is reduced and the person may feel giddiness or develop syncope.