Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Cost in India

The cost of a Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt in India typically ranges from $500 to $6,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

A Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt, now also called a Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt, is a small tube that connects a body artery to a lung artery. It increases blood flow to the lungs in babies with certain heart conditions. The cost usually depends on:

• Newborn or infant intensive care: after surgery.
• Underlying condition: and any other procedures needed.
• Hospital stay: which varies with recovery.
• Later surgery: the shunt is usually a temporary step.

AboutKidsHealth (The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto) explains that a BT shunt is a palliative operation. It improves blood flow to the lungs until further surgery can be done. Conditions include:

• Pulmonary atresia: the valve to the lungs has not formed.
• Severe pulmonary stenosis: a very narrow valve to the lungs.
• Tricuspid atresia: a valve on the right side of the heart has not formed.
• Tetralogy of Fallot: in some babies before full repair.

According to AboutKidsHealth, the shunt is a tube about 3 to 3.5 mm wide connecting a branch of the aorta to a pulmonary artery. It is usually a closed-heart operation, which means the heart-lung bypass machine is often not needed.

The shunt usually stays in place for around 4 to 5 months before further surgery.

Risks include blockage of the shunt, infection and too much blood flow to the lungs. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne notes that the shunt can block, especially if the baby becomes dehydrated.

Families are usually given a shunt information card and advice on when to seek emergency care, for example if the baby becomes more blue or unwell.