[The subclavian-pulmonary anastomosis (author's transl)]

A series of 16 patients who underwent Blalock-Taussig anastomosis for severe cyanosis, without hospital deaths, is reported. Based on this recent, limites experience, and on/an extensive review of the literature the Authors analyze objective criteria to identify the ideal palliative systemic-pulmonary shunt. Early results and late sequelae of Blalock-Taussig, Waterston-Cooley and Potts-Smith anastomosis are compared. It is then proposed that the subclavain-pulmonary anastomosis should be considered the palliation of choice of elective and emergency indication to treat severe cyanosis in those patients for whom corrective surgery can not be contemplated.