Glenn procedure

Glenn procedure is a type of heart surgery that is often performed on children with congenital heart disease. This procedure is typically performed as part of a series of surgeries to treat complex congenital heart defects.

Overview

The Glenn procedure, also known as a bidirectional Glenn shunt or bidirectional Glenn procedure, is a type of cardiac surgery that is used to increase blood flow to the lungs in children with certain types of congenital heart disease. This procedure is typically performed as the second of three surgeries in a staged approach to treat complex congenital heart defects, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and tricuspid atresia.

Procedure

During the Glenn procedure, the superior vena cava (SVC) is disconnected from the right atrium and reconnected to the pulmonary artery. This allows oxygen-poor blood from the upper part of the body to flow directly to the lungs, bypassing the heart. The procedure reduces the workload on the right side of the heart and allows for more efficient oxygenation of blood.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, the Glenn procedure carries risks. These may include bleeding, infection, arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), stroke, and in rare cases, death. Long-term complications may include protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), a condition in which protein is lost from the blood into the intestines, and plastic bronchitis, a condition in which casts develop in the airways that can cause breathing difficulties.

After the Procedure

After the Glenn procedure, children typically spend several days in the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. They may require medications to help the heart and lungs function properly, and will need regular follow-up with a cardiologist throughout their life to monitor their heart function.

See Also

• Fontan procedure
• Norwood procedure
• Congenital heart disease
• Cardiac surgery

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