Changes in Left Atrial and Systemic Arterial Pressures and Blood Flow Following Graded Aortopulmonary Anastomosis

Abstract

Aortopulmonary anastomosis can produce cardiac failure, unilateral pulmonary edema, or both if constructed too large. The effects on the heart and systemic circulation of aortopulmonary anastomoses of varying sizes were studied in a series of dogs. The larger the shunt, the greater the changes in left atrial pressure and systolic and diastolic arterial pressures. Shunt flow is related to the diameter of the shunt as well as to the existing pulmonary artery pressure. Unilateral pulmonary edema occurred when left atrial pressure was 18 to 20 mm. Hg.