Transaxillary Minithoracotomy for Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt

A technique that allows construction of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt using a polytetrafluoroethylene graft in neonates and infants through an axillary vertical minimal access thoracotomy is described. It is a simple, safe, cosmetically acceptable, and efficient approach even when used during emergency situations. It was successfully performed in 5 neonates and infants.