Comparison of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Stenting and Blalock-Taussig Shunt in Ductal Dependent Blood Flow Congenital Heart Disease and Decreased Pulmonary Blood Flow

BACKGROUND: Congenital ductal-dependent cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) is a group of diseases that require early intervention during early infancy or the neonatal period. In this study, we compared the effectiveness, safety, and side effects of stenting patent ductus arteriosus versus a modified Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six neonates and infants with cyanotic CHD who were <6 months old and were not suitable for complete surgery were admitted to Chamran Hospital in Isfahan and enrolled in this prospective longitudinal cross-sectional study. Ductal stenting (DS) was performed in 18 patients and BT shunt in 18 patients. Data were collected and compared in these patients. RESULTS: Age, height, and weight were lower in the DS group compared to the shunt group (1.28 ± 0.46 vs. 2.50 ± 0.51 months, 53.22 ± 1.80 vs. 56.11 ± 1.67 cm, 3.38 ± 0.45 vs. 4.98 ± 0.57 kg, respectively P < 0.001). The duration of the intensive care unit stay as well as hospital stay in patients in the DS group was much shorter than the shunt group (1.33 ± 0.68 vs. 2.83 ± 0.70 days, 3.33 ± 0.68 vs. 9.55 ± 0.51, P < 0.001, respectively). In both groups, the diameter of the pulmonary branches increased after the procedure compared to before the procedure (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the patient's hemoglobin was significantly decreased compared to before the procedure (P < 0.001). In both groups, one patient died in the postprocedure period. In ductal stent group one patient died in catheterization lab and in shunt group died 48 hours after surgery. There was no significant difference in postprocedural complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Duct stents can be used as an effective and safe method in duct-dependent cyanotic CHD patients who are not suitable candidates for complete surgery. As operators become proficient, this method can be a good alternative to BT shunts with fewer complications.