RESUMO
In infants with ductal dependent pulmonary blood flow, Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) stent, are two palliative procedures aimed to restore circulation. A systematic review and metanalysis was performed on studies comparing PDA stents and BT shunts, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis revealed the following; (1) a reduced risk of mortality [RRâ¯=â¯0.585 [0.399-0.859], (Pâ¯=â¯0.006)], (2) a reduced risk of complications [RRâ¯=â¯0.523 [0.318-0.860], (Pâ¯=â¯0.011), and (3) a reduced risk of ECMO use [Râ¯=â¯0.267 [0.101-0.706] (Pâ¯=â¯0.008)], all in the stent group. Additionally, stent group showed higher post procedure oxygen saturation [SMDâ¯=â¯1.307 [95% CI 1.065-1.550], (P < 0.001)], and Nakata index [SMDâ¯=â¯0.679 95% CI [0.513 to 0.845], (P < 0.001)]. PDA stenting presents a viable alternative to BT shunt procedure with better post procedure stability.