atriopulmonary connection

The atriopulmonary connection is a surgical technique historically used to direct blood flow from the heart’s atrium (specifically the right atrium) directly to the pulmonary arteries, which carry blood to the lungs. It was often used to treat complex congenital heart defects like tricuspid atresia. In this procedure, the right atrium is connected directly to the pulmonary arteries, bypassing the missing or underdeveloped right ventricle. This allows deoxygenated blood to reach the lungs for oxygenation. While effective initially, it has been largely replaced by newer procedures due to limitations in long-term function and complications.