Modeling of systemic-to-pulmonary shunts in newborns with a univentricular circulation: State of the art and future directions

A systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt is a surgically created connection inserted between the systemic and pulmonary circulations to control pulmonary blood flow during surgical reconstruction of the univentricular heart. The hemodynamic effect of these shunts in the postoperative setting has not been well characterized because of the difficulties in making accurate measurements. In vitro investigations as well as computer flow modeling have been increasingly utilized to study the cardiovascular system and, specifically, to examine the hemodynamic effects of a number of surgical operations. The present review discusses the available literature on systemic to pulmonary artery shunt modeling.