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Bidirectional Glenn shunt: a step in the right direction
R Narayan1, K G Balakrishnan, V R Pillai
1Department of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Trivandrum.
Indian Heart Journal
|July 1, 1996
Summary
The Bidirectional Glenn (BDG) shunt is a beneficial palliative procedure for congenital cyanotic heart disease, improving oxygen saturation and reducing hematocrit levels in patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Congenital cyanotic heart diseases with decreased pulmonary blood flow present significant challenges.
- Palliative surgical interventions are crucial for managing complex cardiac conditions in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of the Bidirectional Glenn (BDG) shunt procedure.
- To assess the role of BDG as a preliminary step towards total cavopulmonary connection in high-risk Fontan candidates.
Main Methods:
- The study included 14 pediatric patients with congenital cyanotic heart disease undergoing BDG shunt.
- Postoperative assessments included cardiac catheterization in 10 patients and Doppler echocardiography in 13 patients.
- One patient underwent successful balloon angioplasty of the shunt and left pulmonary artery (LPA).
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in oxygen saturation and a decrease in hematocrit levels were observed post-surgery.
- Doppler echocardiography confirmed functioning shunts with continuous low-velocity flow in all assessed cases.
- Successful balloon angioplasty was performed on the shunt and LPA in one patient.
Conclusions:
- The Bidirectional Glenn shunt is an effective palliative procedure for specific congenital heart conditions.
- BDG serves as a valuable first stage for total cavopulmonary connection in high-risk Fontan patients unsuitable for biventricular repair.