In pediatric cardiac surgery, what is the purpose of the Blalock-Taussig procedure?

The Blalock-Taussig procedure is aimed at increasing the oxygen-rich blood supply to children with certain congenital heart defects, commonly referred to as 'blue babies.' This surgical intervention is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions such as Tetralogy of Fallot, where there is a mix of oxygen-poor and oxygen-rich blood due to structural abnormalities in the heart.

In this procedure, a connection is created between the subclavian artery and the pulmonary artery, allowing oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to be redirected into the pulmonary artery and delivered to the lungs for oxygenation. As a result, the procedure effectively enhances the amount of oxygen available to the systemic circulation, improving the overall oxygen levels in the patient's blood.

This is crucial for children who are experiencing cyanosis (a bluish discoloration due to lack of oxygen) as it helps alleviate this condition and can significantly improve their quality of life and survival rates. Other options in the question do not align with the primary goal of the Blalock-Taussig procedure, as it specifically addresses the need for better oxygenation rather than issues related to blood flow reduction or valvular corrections.