lalock-Taussig Shunt versus Ductal Stent in the Palliation of Duct Dependent Pulmonary Circulation; A Systematic Review and Metanalysis BT shunt versus PDA stent outcomes

Abstract Background In infants with ductal dependent pulmonary blood flow, Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) stent, are two palliative procedures aimed to restore circulation. Methods A systematic review and metanalysis was performed on studies comparing PDA stents and BT shunts, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results Meta-analysis revealed the following; (1) a reduced risk of mortality [RR = 0.585 [0.399-0.859], (P= 0.006)], (2) a reduced risk of complications [RR = 0.523 [0.318-0.860], (P=0.011), and (3) a reduced risk of ECMO use [R=0.267 [0.101-0.706] (P= 0.008)], all in the stent group. Additionally, stent group showed higher post procedure oxygen saturation [SMD = 1.307 [95% CI 1.065-1.550], (p Conclusions PDA stenting presents a viable alternative to BT shunt procedure with better post procedure stability.