Systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunt procedure (includes Blalock-Taussig & central shunts)
A series of different types of operations (including those first described by Waterston and by Blalock and Taussig) whose common feature is the creation of an arterial connection to the lungs to relieve cyanotic heart disease ("blue baby syndrome"). It may often be a temporary solution until full corrective surgery can be performed.


How to interpret the survival funnel plots

These graphs show the national average survival after specific procedures for treating congenital heart disease. The national average is shown as a horizontal grey line. Two control limits are shown; a warning limit (Green line, 98%) and an alert limit ( Red line 99.5%). Unit performances are shown as identifiable coloured symbols. If a unit's symbol is above the green line then the performance is no different from the national average. If a unit’s survival rate is below the warning limit, their performance will be closely monitored in subsequent years. If a unit’s survival rate is below the alert limit, an investigation into possible reasons and remedial actions will be launched by the appropriate professional and regulatory bodies.