Patency of Blalock-Taussig shunt assessed by Doppler colour flow imaging

A neonate with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum underwent a modified right sided Blalock-Taussig shunt. Following the procedure, the patient developed a right sided haemothorax, which required drainage. A murmur was not audible subsequently. Echocardiography with colour flow imaging enabled identification of patency of the right sided shunt. It was then possible to discontinue intravenous prostaglandin medication.