Outcomes of the bidirectional Glenn procedure to treat complex congenital heart disease in infants

Objective To present the outcomes of bidirectional Glenn procedure to treat complex congenital heart disease in infants.Methods Between January 1998 and December 2008,34 patients with complex cyanotic congenital heart defects underwent bidirectional Glenn operations at this center.The 38 patients,whose mean body surface area was (0.16 ± 0.05) m2,consisted of 21 males and 13 females with a mean age of (0.66 ± 0.21) years.Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the clinical outcomes.Results Before surgery,mean transcutaneous oxygen saturation was (73 ± 9) %,and mean pulmonary pressure was (12.19 ± 3.68) mmHg.On pump bidirectional Glenn procedures were performed on 16 patients,and off pump procedures on 18 patients.Mean operation time was (173.55 ± 42.16) minutes.After operation,mean vena cava pressure was (17.74 ±3.62) mmHg,and mean transcutaneous oxygen saturation was (84 ± 16)%.Two patients died after surgery,and 5 patients suffered severe complications.Echocardiographic follow-up showed functioning Glenn shunts without any obstruction at the anastomosis.Conclusions Bidirectional Glenn procedure is effective to treat complex congenital heart disease in infants. Key words: Heart diseases,congenital; Bidirectional glenn procedure; Infant