The Blalock-Taussig shunt: the social history of an eponym

Abstract

Creating eponyms for surgical procedures or medical discoveries can be a simple objective process of attaching names of innovators. Some eponyms, however, have a controversial history. Undertaking the first systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunt required the combined efforts of Helen Taussig, Vivien Thomas, and Alfred Blalock. In this review, I attempt to look beyond the mechanics of attributing the eponym to the larger social history surrounding the term.

Setting the stage for increasing diversity in congenital cardiology: let’s celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Blalock–Thomas–Taussig shunt

“…He first developed the technique in a myriad of laboratory dogs, then adapted the instruments for human use, and eventually coached Blalock through the first operations on infants. 4,5 In those times of racial segregation, Thomas did not share in the fame and recognition that Blalock and Taussig received after publishing this landmark achievement. As a Black, nondegreed laboratory assistant Thomas was initially not included in any form of publicity nor acknowledged for his undisputed experimental and clinical contributions.…”

“…Decades later, attempts were made to alleviate this inequity: Thomas was awarded an honorary Doctor's degree by Johns Hopkins University. Yet, despite earlier suggestions to rename the Blalock-Taussig shunt into the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt [5][6][7] , trivial arguments as "it would be impractical to change the name of the shunt" 6 have apparently precluded to provide Vivien Thomas the deserved honour of having the shunt named after him.…”

A Discussion of the Role of Complex Evolved Systems in the Development of Invasive Cardiovascular Interventions as Illustrated by the Blalock- Taussig Shunt and Intra-Arterial Stents

“…She explored the anatomy and decided that such babies did better if they had a persistent or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Taussig originally approached Gross regarding creating shunt to allow more blood to flow to the lungs because she knew that Gross had ligated a PDA [186]. This was the event that led her to ponder whether one could also create such a duct [187].…”

Let us now praise famous men

“…another of his insightful historical vignettes. 1 In this instance, he discusses the evolution of the so-called Blalock-Taussig shunt. Purely by chance, immediately in advance of being asked to review Bill's excellent contribution on behalf of the Journal, I had been given a videotape by my good friend Joe Amato, now retired from active pediatric cardiac surgery, but still involved with teaching at Rush University in Chicago.…”