Reasons for Failure of Systemic-to-Pulmonary Artery Shunts in Neonates

Vitanova and colleagues reviewed outcomes of systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt surgery to identify potential risk factors for negative outcomes in neonates. Between 2000 and 2016, 305 shunts were implanted in 280 newborns, with a median age of 9 days old. Shunt failure occurred in 8% of patients, and shunt-related mortality was 4%. Univariate analysis determined perioperative platelet transfusion, central shunt, shunt size of 3 mm, and postoperative extra corporeal membrane oxygenation to be risk factors for shunt failure.