Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery in India
The Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt operation is a life-saving palliative treatment for newborns and children with cyanotic congenital cardiac defects such as Tetralogy of Fallot. The surgery improves blood flow to the lungs by temporarily connecting a systemic artery (which is frequently the subclavian or innominate artery) to the pulmonary artery.
India is a globally trusted destination for paediatric cardiac procedures such as BT shunt surgery due to its world-class hospitals, expert paediatric cardiac surgeons, and affordable care. The procedure is frequently the first step in a staged approach to more definitive corrective surgeries.
Cost of BT Shunt Surgery in India:
Minimum Cost
$5200
Maximum Cost
$6500
Total Hospital Stays
5 days
Types of Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery in India
There are different types of Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery in India based on the patient’s heart condition and treatment goal:
Modified BT Shunt (Gore-Tex graft)
Classic BT Shunt (rarely used)
Who Needs Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery in India?
Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery in India is recommended for patients with:
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with severe pulmonary stenosis
Pulmonary Atresia
Single ventricle physiology with decreased pulmonary blood flow
Hypoplastic right or left heart syndrome (as part of staged palliation)
Newborns or infants who are too small or unstable for total correction
A pediatric cardiologist will determine suitability through clinical evaluation and imaging (e.g., echocardiography, cardiac MRI, CT angiography).
Key Highlights:
Procedure Name: Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery
Target Conditions: Cyanotic congenital heart defects (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia)
Patient Demographic: Infants and young children
Surgical Goal: Increase pulmonary blood flow temporarily until definitive repair
Hospital Stay: 7–10 days (including ICU)
Recovery Time: 4–6 weeks
Success Rate in India: Over 95% in leading centers
Availability of Modified BT Shunt: Yes (using Gore-Tex tube graft)
Transparent Pricing for Better Healing.
We believe that great care starts with trust. That’s why we ensure complete transparency in our treatment pricing—no surprises, no hidden fees, just honest and clear costs for the care you deserve.
Get a free cost estimate
Cost of BT Shunt Surgery in India:
| Types of Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery | Treatment Cost In USD | |
Modified BT Shunt (Gore-Tex graft) This historic palliative surgical procedure creates a direct connection between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery, establishing an artificial pathway for blood flow to the lungs. Performed without prosthetic materials, it relies on native vascular tissue to improve pulmonary circulation in cyanotic heart defects. |
| |
Classic BT Shunt (rarely used) This contemporary palliative procedure creates a controlled connection between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery using a Gore-Tex tube graft. The synthetic shunt provides regulated blood flow to the lungs, offering improved outcomes compared to the classic technique. | $3,500 – $5,000 |
Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery in India– Inclusions
- Pediatric cardiologist and cardiac surgeon consultations
- Pre-operative consultations and investigations
Anesthesia and operation theatre charges
Surgeon’s and medical team fees
Hospital stay, meals, and ICU care as per package
Routine medications during hospitalization
Pre-anesthesia check-up
Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery in India – Exclusions
Flights, local transport, and hotel stays
Post-surgery rehabilitation and follow-up visits
Management of surgical complications (if any)
Extended ICU/hospital stay beyond package
Non-routine medications and complex tests
Nurse/homecare after discharge
Blood products or unrelated treatments
The BT Shunt Surgery Procedure:
Anesthesia: Performed under general anesthesia
Incision: Through the side of the chest (thoracotomy) or median sternotomy
Shunt Creation:
A synthetic Gore-Tex (modified BT shunt) or direct artery-to-artery connection is made between a subclavian/innominate artery and a pulmonary artery
Circulation Adjustment: This allows more oxygen-rich blood to flow into the lungs
Closure: Surgical site is closed, and the child is moved to ICU
Preoperative Tests Required:
Echocardiography (2D Echo)
Chest X-ray
Cardiac MRI or CT (in complex cases)
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Complete blood count and coagulation profile
Renal and liver function tests
Why is India Preferred for Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery i?
India has emerged as a global leader in Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery due to several key advantages:
✅ Affordable treatment: Up to 70% cheaper than Western countries
✅ Highly skilled cardiac surgeons: With global training & certification
✅ Cutting-edge heart centers: NABH and JCI-accredited hospitals
✅ Advanced Hospitals with hybrid ORs & robotic-assisted techniques
✅ Faster Scheduling and shorter wait times
✅ Advanced technologies: Minimally invasive & robotic options
✅ Comprehensive medical tourism support by HOSPISITY
Why Hospisity?
Network of top-tier pediatric cardiac hospitals across India
Assistance with visa, travel, and accommodation
Pre-arrival teleconsultations and second opinions
Transparent pricing and personalized treatment planning
Dedicated patient care coordinators throughout the journey
FAQs – Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery in India
No, it is a temporary (palliative) surgery meant to stabilize the child until a definitive corrective surgery is possible.
Typically 6 months to 1.5 years later, depending on the child’s growth and condition.
Yes, the modified version using a synthetic Gore-Tex tube is safer and more durable than the classic technique.
Bleeding, infection, shunt blockage, and low oxygen levels post-surgery are potential risks but are managed well in specialized centers.
Yes. HOSPISITY offers complete assistance including visas, appointments, hospital coordination, and accommodation.
Top cardiac centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore offer Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery
Best Doctor For Blalock-Taussig (BT) Shunt Surgery
Dr. Naresh Trehan
Chairman & Managing Director, MedantaCardiac Surgery
Medanta- The Medicity, Gurugram
50+ Years Experience
Dr. Manoj Luthra
Vice Chairman – Cardiac Surgery
Max Super Speciality Hospital,Noida
35+ Years Experience
Dr.Z.S Meharwal
Chairman & Head- Adult Cardiac Surgery
Fortis Escort Heart Institute ,Okhla Delhi
31+ Years Experience
Dr. Yugal Kishore Mishra
Chairman, Manipal Institute of Cardiac Sciences
Manipal Hospitals, Delhi
44+ Years Experience
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Transparent Pricing for Better Healing.
We believe that great care starts with trust. That’s why we ensure complete transparency in our treatment pricing—no surprises, no hidden fees, just honest and clear costs for the care you deserve.