BD Glenn

1. What is the Bidirectional Glenn Procedure?

The Bidirectional Glenn (BDG) Procedure is an intermediate-stage operation for children whose heart has only one effectively functioning pumping chamber. It connects the superior vena cava (SVC) to the pulmonary arteries to improve blood flow to the lungs.

2. When is it Recommended?

It may be recommended for children with complex congenital heart conditions involving a single functional ventricle, including conditions such as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), tricuspid atresia and certain forms of double-inlet left ventricle.

3. What Symptoms May a Child Show?

Depending on the underlying heart condition, children may experience bluish skin or lips, breathlessness, poor feeding, poor weight gain, tiredness, sweating during feeding or low oxygen levels.

4. What Does the Treatment Involve?

During the operation, the surgeon connects the superior vena cava to the pulmonary arteries, allowing oxygen-poor blood from the upper body to flow directly to the lungs.

5. What Are the Main Treatment Options?

The BDG is generally part of a staged single-ventricle treatment pathway. Depending on the child's specific heart anatomy, previous treatment may include a Norwood procedure or another initial palliation, followed later by Fontan completion.

6. How Long Does Treatment & Recovery Take?

Published studies report a median hospital stay of approximately 5–8 days after the Bidirectional Glenn procedure, although children requiring additional procedures or intensive care may need a longer stay.

7. What Are the Important Risks or Considerations?

The Bidirectional Glenn is an established procedure with high survival rates in many specialised centres. One PubMed-indexed study of 106 children reported 99.1% survival through the operative period, while another study of 270 children reported 99.3% operative survival. Outcomes depend strongly on the child's underlying heart condition and preoperative status.

8. Why Consider Treatment in India?

India has specialised paediatric cardiac centres performing staged surgeries for complex congenital heart conditions, with paediatric cardiac surgeons, dedicated cardiac intensive-care units and advanced diagnostic facilities.

9. How Can Medavelle Help?

Medavelle can assist with medical report review, paediatric cardiologist and cardiac surgeon coordination, hospital selection, treatment planning, international patient arrangements and follow-up coordination.

10. What Should the Patient Do Next?

Share the child's cardiac reports → Paediatric cardiac evaluation → Echocardiography and heart assessment → Treatment recommendation → Treatment planning in India.