Optimization of the Assisted Bidirectional Glenn Procedure for First Stage Single Ventricle Repair

First-stage single-ventricle palliation is challenging to manage, and significant interstage morbidity and mortality remain. Prior computational and in vitro studies of the assisted bidirectional Glenn (ABG), a novel first-stage procedure that has shown potential for early conversion to a more stable augmented Glenn physiology, demonstrated increased pulmonary flow and oxygen delivery while decreasing cardiac work, as compared to conventional stage-1 alternatives. This study aims to identify optimal shunt designs for the ABG to improve pulmonary flow while maintaining or decreasing superior vena caval (SVC) pressure.

A representative three-dimensional model of a neonatal bidirectional Glenn (BDG) was created, with a shunt connecting the innominate artery to the SVC. The shunt design was studied as a six-parameter constrained shape optimization problem. We simulated hemodynamics for each candidate designs using a multiscale finite element flow solver and compared performance against designs with taper-less shunts, the standalone BDG, and a simplified control volume model. Three values of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of 2.3, 4.3, and 7.1 WUm² were studied.

Increases in pulmonary flow were generally accompanied by increases in SVC pressure, except at low PVR (2.3 WUm²), where the optimal shunt geometry achieved a 13% increase in pulmonary flow without incurring any increase in SVC pressure. Shunt outlet area was the most influential design parameter, while others had minimal effect.

Assisted bidirectional Glenn performance is sensitive to PVR and shunt outlet diameter. An increase in pulmonary flow without a corresponding increase in SVC pressure is possible only when PVR is low.