Blalock Performs the First “Blue Baby” Operation
At a glance:
- Series: Great Events from History II: Science and Technology Series
- Categories: Science, Medicine, Health
- Subcategories: Biology, Biologists, Scientists, Doctors, Physicians, Nurses, Epidemics, Diseases
- Curriculum: American History 1901-1950, Women’s History
- Geographical Location: Maryland
- Date: November, 1944
Article abstract: Blalock developed the first surgical treatment of infants born with certain heart defects, paving the way for complete correction of these defects.
Summary of Event
The “blue baby” syndrome, or cyanosis, is most often caused by congenital malformations of the heart and associated vessels such that circulation to the lungs and other parts of the body is less than normal. One such condition, known as tetralogy of Fallot, is characterized by four major abnormalities: the pulmonary artery is stenosed (narrowed), a channel exists between...
[The entire page is 2017 words long]
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