The Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt (also commonly called the Blalock-Taussig shunt)

(A) Right-sided classic Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt.
(B) Right-sided modified Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt, which uses a Dacron tube to create the communication between the subclavian artery and pulmonary artery. In the modern era, the modified shunt is preferred. The shunt acts to increase pulmonary artery blood flow and saturation and is performed as a palliative procedure in cyanotic patients with reduced pulmonary blood flow. These shunts can be performed on either the left or right side.