Palliative procedures

Palliative operations are avoided as far as possible. Palliation signifies adding a further defect to the existing defect in order to stabilise it. The defective circulatory situation persists. This puts a strain on the heart and circulation (through pressure and volume load and cyanosis). In addition, if correction is carried out later, the palliation, which usually consists of a shunt (vascular prosthesis between the aorta and pulmonary artery) or banding of the pulmonary artery, must be removed. The psychological stress due to several operations and postponement of the actual correction is usually greater when palliative procedures are carried out.