Q: What is Transcatheter Potts shunt (TPS)?


Answer: It is probably more of academic interest or at least a weapon used in refractory and very advanced pulmonary hypertension. Data is very scarce and procedure itself can be of very  high risk. It is surgically placed  right to left shunt between the left pulmonary artery and the descending aorta. It can also be attempted at high tertiary care center by interventional radiology under  fluoroscopic guidance. Procedure itself involves retrograde needle perforation of the aorta, with subsequent placement of a stent between the aorta and left pulmonary artery.



Reference:

Esch JJ, Shah PB, Cockrill BA, et al. Transcatheter Potts shunt creation in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension: initial clinical experience. J Heart Lung Transplant 2013; 32:381.