Venoatrial shunt-assisted cavopulmonary anastomosis

The bidirectional Glenn shunt operation is conventionally performed under cardiopulmonary bypass. Between June 2007 and September 2009, 218 consecutive patients underwent off-pump bidirectional Glenn shunt institution for single ventricle with pulmonary stenosis complex. Their mean age was 4.72 ± 1.80 years (range, 4 months to 6 years) and median weight was 10.12 kg (range, 4.1-19 kg). A temporary shunt was created between the innominate vein and the right atrium, with a 3-way connector for de-airing. Fifty-five patients had bilateral cavae. The mean internal jugular venous pressure on clamping the superior vena cava was 24.69 ± 1.81 mm Hg. Continuous end-tidal CO? and O? saturation were monitored. Adequate oxygen saturation and blood pressure were maintained by optimizing inotropics, volume, and inspired oxygen. The mean duration of ventilation was 10.17 ± 8.96 h (range, 1-73 h). There were no gross neurological complications. Postoperative pleural effusion developed in 6 (2.75%) patients, and 4 (1.83%) had nodal rhythm. Four (1.83%) patients died in the immediate postoperative period due to low cardiac output syndrome. Venoatrial shunt-assisted bidirectional Glenn shunt surgery can be performed safely by optimizing intraoperative management strategies. It is economical and avoids the deleterious effects cardiopulmonary bypass.     

Clinical application of bidirectional Glenn shunt with off-pump technique

A study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of the bidirectional Glenn shunt technique performed off-pump. Between April 1999 and April 2001, 36 patients underwent bidirectional Glenn shunt, unilateral in 28 patients and bilateral in 8 patients, without using cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients consisted of 25 males and 11 females with a mean age of 5.7 +/- 5.4 years and a mean body surface area of 0.72 +/- 0.34 m2. Preoperative percutaneous oxygen saturation was 75% +/- 7%, and pulmonary arterial pressure was 14.3 +/- 3.6 mmHg. There was no operative mortality. Chylothorax occurred in 1 patient in the early postoperative period. All the other patients were discharged without complications. Mean arterial oxygen saturation at discharge was 92.7% +/- 4.0%. This shunt technique is easy to perform and is helpful in the early management of patients with a functionally univentricular heart. However, much remains to be learned about this unusual physiological system.     

The bidirectional cavopulmonary (Glenn) shunt without cardiopulmonary bypass: a safe and advisable technique

The bidirectional cavopulmonary (Glenn) shunt is almost a routine first step procedure for total cavopulmonary connection in children with single-ventricle cardiac anomalies. It is usually performed with cardiopulmonary bypass, of which adverse effects can be especially deleterious in these cardiac conditions. To avoid these adverse effects, we performed the cavopulmonary shunt in 5 children through sternotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. There was no mortality nor morbidity. We think that this technique is safe, reproducible, and even advisable in children with single-ventricle anomalies.     

常温非体外循环下双向格林手术

目的 :探讨常温非体外循环下双向格林手术矫治单一功能心室复杂畸形的手术方法及疗效。　　方法 :常温非体外循环下行双向格林手术 5例 (A组 ) ,3例建立上腔静脉—右心房旁路 ,2例利用双上腔静脉互为旁路行双侧双向格林手术。同期在体外循环下行双向格林手术 5例 (B组 )。　　结果 :二组均无手术死亡 ,早期随访效果满意。A组不用输血 ,手术时间、术后气管插管拔管时间、重症监护病房住院时间及住院费用比 B组明显减少。　　结论 :常温非体外循环下双向格林手术方法安全简便 ,术后恢复快且费用少     

Factors influencing survival in patients after bidirectional Glenn shunt

Clinical characteristics, echocardiographic values, and catheterization data of 45 patients with a functional univentricular heart who had a bidirectional Glenn shunt instituted between November 1994 and October 2006 were retrospectively reviewed. Median age at operation was 20 months (range, 9 months to 19 years). Median follow-up time after the bidirectional Glenn operation was 4 years (range, 1 day to 11 years). The early mortality rate was 4/45 (8.9%); overall mortality was 24.4%. Actuarial survival after a bidirectional Glenn shunt was 73% +/- 8% at 5 years and 55% +/- 17% at 10 years. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, heterotaxy syndrome and systemic right ventricle were independent predictors of mortality after the bidirectional Glenn shunt. Age at operation, oxygen saturation, previous surgery, a pulsatile Glenn shunt, cardiopulmonary bypass, postoperative pulmonary artery pressure, bilateral superior venae cavae, and Nakata index were not predictive of mortality. The presence of heterotaxy syndrome and systemic right ventricle in patients with a functional univentricular heart should lead to aggressive investigation and management strategies.     

Simultaneous stenting of tightly stenosed patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary artery bifurcation using two stents (Y stenting): An innovative technique

Stenting of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a palliative technique that is evolving as an alternative to shunt surgery. Patients with duct‐dependant pulmonary circulation and branch pulmonary artery stenosis are often palliated by shunt surgery with repair of branch pulmonary arteries under cardiopulmonary bypass. We present here an 8‐month‐old male child with duct‐dependant pulmonary circulation with bifurcation stenosis who was palliated successfully by transcatheter means. He had stenosed PDA with tight pulmonary artery bifurcation stenosis and underwent successful “Y” stenting of PDA with simultaneous deployment of two stents. He successfully underwent bidirectional Glenn surgery 8 months after the procedure. Simultaneous stenting of bifurcation stenosis of branch pulmonary arteries with two stents has not been described in the literature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Pulmonary venous wedge pressure provides an accurate assessment of pulmonary artery pressure in children with a bidirectional Glenn shunt

PURPOSE: In circulations with pulsatile pulmonary artery flow the pulmonary venous wedge pressure (PVWp) has been validated as a good estimate of pulmonary artery pressure (PAp), when PAp is low. The purpose of this study was to validate PVWp estimates of PAp in the less-pulsatile pulmonary circulation of children after bidirectional Glenn shunts. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 22 simultaneous measurements of PVWp and PAp made during 20 catheterizations in 19 children who had undergone bidirectional Glenn procedures. The PAp was measured directly from the branch PA ipsilateral to the side of the PVWp, or in the SVC. Pulmonary resistance (Rp) was calculated with both PAp and PVWp, to assess the impact of PAp estimates on Rp determinations. RESULTS: Patients ranged in age from 5 months to 10.7 years. There were a variety of univentricular cardiac malformations in the study group. Two children had antegrade pulmonary blood flow in addition to a bidirectional Glenn shunt. The mean PAp ranged from 4 to 14 mmHg, while mean PVWp ranged from 3 to 15 mmHg. Mean PVWp never differed from mean PAp by more than 3 mmHg. There was a significant linear relation between mean PAp and PVWp: PAp = 0.86 (PVWp) + 2.0 (R2 = 0.89; P < 0.0001). PVWp provided a good approximation of PAp regardless of the presence (n = 2) or absence (n = 19) of antegrade pulmonary flow. There was a good linear correlation between the Rp calculated by both methods (RpPAp = 0.9 (RpVWp) + 0.5; R2 = 0.74; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The mean PVWp provides a close approximation of mean PAp in children with a bidirectional Glenn shunt and provides valuable hemodynamic information in cases where direct PAp measurements are unavailable.     

Longevity of Neonatal Ductal Stenting for Congenital Heart Diseases with Duct‐dependent Pulmonary Circulation

Introduction. Ductal stent (DS) in duct‐dependent pulmonary circulation is less morbid than neonatal Blalock–Taussig shunt. However, there is concern if DS provides an adequately long palliation before definitive repair. Methods. This is a retrospective review of clinical follow‐up of all consecutive infants after successful DS performed by a single operator. They were divided into three anatomic groups. Group A neonates had balloon valvotomy for critical pulmonary stenosis or pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, who needed DS patency until the right ventricle was adequate to provide antegrade pulmonary flows. Group B patients with tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary atresia suited for later biventricular repair needed ductal patency until conduit surgery was completed. Group C patients with functionally univentricular hearts needed DS patency until bidirectional Glenn shunt completion. Results. Among 22 infants, four Group A patients followed for 26–54 months after balloon pulmonary valvotomy had adequate oxygen saturation and needed only short‐term DS patency. In six out of nine Group B patients, corrective biventricular repair using conduits was performed after 5–14 months at a body weight of 5–7.5 kg. Bidirectional Glenn shunt and confluence repair were performed in seven of nine Group C patients weighing 6–8.5 kg after 8–15 months. The hilar pulmonary artery growth in B and C groups was adequate for surgical repair. No patient needed stent redilatations or additional shunts on follow‐up for hypoxia. Four patients had sudden death. Conclusions. The short‐term patency of DS was adequate after balloon valvotomy for critical pulmonary stenosis or pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. Duration of palliation by DS was also sufficient in univentricular hearts to allow adequate somatic growth before Glenn surgery. In patients with biventricular anatomy treated by DS, conduit repair had to be performed at a relatively early age. Interstage mortality was 18%.     

Catheter conversion of classic glenn to bidirectional glenn with closure of left central shunt years after surgical attempts

Bidirectional Glenn shunt is usually performed in patients with single ventricle in preparation for a total cavo‐pulmonary connection. We present a patient born with complex congenital heart disease consisting of single ventricle, pulmonary atresia, non confluent pulmonary arteries, and anomalous pulmonary venous return in whom surgical bidirectional Glenn was attempted. After multiple surgical attempts she was converted to a Classic Glenn and a central ascending aorta to left pulmonary artery shunt. Several years later by the aid of radiofrequency wire the occluded pulmonary artery segment was canalized establishing continuity between the two pulmonary artery branches with stenting of the intervening segment. The central shunt to the left pulmonary artery was subsequently embolized. Thus this patient was converted in the catheterization laboratory from the physiology of a classic Glenn to the more preferred bidirectional Glenn physiology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Risk factors in the Glenn bidirectional shunt as an intermediate procedure before Fontan correction

OBJECTIVE: The bidirectional Glenn shunt is the most common palliation before the Fontan repair, especially in high-risk patients. We studied the influence of certain risk factors in bidirectional Glenn results, with and without an additional source of pulmonary blood flow. METHODS: Between 1993 and 1998 twenty patients (6-53 months of age) underwent a bidirectional Glenn shunt as the intermediate repair for the Fontan procedure. Diagnoses were: 7 cases of double inlet single ventricle, 4 of tricuspid atresia, 3 of unbalanced AV septal defect, 4 of mitral atresia, 1 hypoplastic left heart syndrome and 1 TGA with hypoplasia of the right ventricle. 17 patients had undergone previous operations. Mean preoperative arterial oxygen saturation was 78.5%. In 6 patients an auxiliary source of pulmonary blood flow was added. RESULTS: Hospital mortality was 15%. In 4 patients the bidirectional Glenn failed. By univariate analysis low weight, preoperative functional status and high pulmonary pressure were factors associated with early death. In bidirectional Glenn failure only the duration of ventilatory support was significant. By multivariate analysis, preoperative functional status and pulmonary pressure were significant. Mean postoperative arterial oxygen saturation at a mean follow-up of 10 months was 84%. CONCLUSIONS: Bidirectional Glenn shunt is an effective and low-risk palliation for patients with univentricular hearts. Only low weight and high pulmonary pressure were significant in hospital mortality, and we advise the association of an additional source of pulmonary blood flow in these patients at the start. Early extubation provides correct performance of the shunt.     

The bidirectional Glenn operation in 100 cases with complex congenital heat diseases: factors influencing surgical results]

OBJECTIVE: The bidirectional Glenn shunt is a well established surgical technique in children with complex congenital heart disease. The present study is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing this operation in order to assess the influence of different variables in the outcome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: From December 1990 to June 2000, 100 patients received a bidirectional Glenn shunt.Two groups were defined, based on the outcome. Group A (n = 15, unsuccessfully result) including death and need to reoperate, and Group B (n = 85, patients with good outcome). RESULTS: The mortality was 8%. Eight patients were reoperated at follow-up. The survivors were followed for a mean of 3.5 years. Mean pulmonary artery pressure 7 mmHg was a factor associated with poor clinical progress. Other variables (age less than 1 year, excessive pulmonary blood flow, double Glenn operation, significant anatomic anomalies, and arrythmias), were also associated with outcome. Significant variations were observed in the time of by-pass or the need for aortic clamp in cases with simultaneous operative repair of pulmonary branch stenosis. Actuarial survival rate, most more than 1 year was 92%, and freedom from reoperation at 3 years was 90%. CONCLUSIONS: The bidirectional Glenn shunt is an excellent palliation in patients with functionally single ventricle. Mean pulmonary artery pressure was the most important variable related with the outcome. We are encouraged to continue with tendency to perform bidirectional Glenn shunt preferably early, avoiding, whenever possible, previous palliative surgery.     

Outcome of single ventricle and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

Management of patients with single-ventricle physiology is significantly affected by anomalies of pulmonary venous return at all stages, whether primary palliation, bidirectional Glenn shunt, or completion of Fontan circulation. We treated 25 patients with pulmonary venous anomalies and single ventricle by staged palliation, from June 1996 to May 2005. Visceral heterotaxy with atrial isomerism was present in 19 of them. Primary palliation with a systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt was undertaken in 15 patients. There were 5 early deaths, of which 4 were due to obstruction of pulmonary venous return. A bidirectional Glenn shunt was constructed in 17 patients including 10 who had it as a primary palliative procedure. There were 7 early deaths after the bidirectional Glenn procedure; only one was due to pulmonary venous obstruction. Five patients attained completion of the Fontan procedure. There was one early death after the Fontan operation. Anomalous pulmonary venous return can significantly complicate the management of patients with single ventricle, with an impact on survival in early infancy. Palliation with the aim of instituting extracardiac conduit Fontan circulation allows greater latitude and more streamlined management.     

Occlusion of a Sano shunt using the amplatzer duct occluder

The presence of a residual systemic-to-pulmonary shunt following a bidirectional Glenn operation may be necessary in patients with an elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. It is often possible to perform percutaneous occlusion of these shunts once the resistance has fallen. We report on the use of an Amplatzer Ductal Occluder Device to occlude a residual Sano shunt in an infant with a variant of hypoplastic left heart syndrome.     

Anticoagulation in children undergoing cardiac surgery

Advances in medical and surgical care have resulted in improved survival of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Parallel to these progresses, an increasing number of immediate and long-term complications have been recognized. One important complication in CHD is the development of thrombosis. Children with a single functional cardiac ventricle usually require sequential steps of surgery: the initial Blalock-Taussig shunts (BTS) during the neonatal period, followed by the Glenn shunt, and finally, the Fontan shunt, the "definitive palliative" procedure. Surgery mostly involves cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), which also affects the coagulation system and causes an inflammatory response. This article will review surgical procedures, such as BTS, Glenn shunt, and Fontan shunt, prosthetic mechanical valves, and CPB, and their risk of thrombotic complications. There is insufficient evidence and no consensus for optimal anticoagulant prophylaxis or treatment in children with CHD. Current recommendations are mostly based on adult data.     

Correction of congenital heart defects in Jehovah's Witness children

Between August 1989 and July 2003 14 Jehovah's Witness children with congenital heart defects (CHD) aged under 14 years (median 2.9 years) and with a median weight of 14 kg underwent 16 operations with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Five children had been operated on previously between one to three times. Preoperatively, 7 children were prepared with oral iron supplementation and 10 received erythropoietin. Mean hemoglobin (Hb) at admission was 14.4 g/dl (range 10.9 - 19.2). The cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit was modified to reduce total priming volume. High doses of aprotinin were administered. The modified ultrafiltration (MUF) circuit, used in 7 patients, was parallel to the ECC circuit with continuous circulation of the blood through a small shunt between the arterial and venous lines. Operations performed consisted of VSD closure (3 pts.), ASD closure (3 pts.), Fontan operation (2 pts.), and complete AV canal correction, aortic commissurotomy, Ross operation, Glenn shunt, cor triatriatum correction, MV reconstruction combined with left outflow tract stenosis resection, correction of absent pulmonary valve syndrome, and correction of tetralogy of Fallot in one patient each. There were no deaths. Mean duration of CPB was 192 min and mean aortic cross-clamp time 40 min. The Hb value at the end of the operation was 4.9 - 14.5 g/dl (mean 9.6) and at discharge it was 7.1 - 14.5 g/dl (mean 15.5). No blood or blood products were used in any patient. CONCLUSION: Bloodless cardiac surgery with and without CPB can be safely performed in Jehovah's Witness infants and children.     

Lung function after deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in infants

There is increasing concern about neurologic injury due to deep hypothermia with low flow during repair of complex congenital heart defects in neonates and infants. Twenty infants with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary hypertension were randomly assigned to cardiac repair under deep hypothermia with circulatory arrest or deep hypothermia with low flow. Measurements of static pulmonary compliance, airway resistance, and respiratory index were performed before institution of cardiopulmonary bypass and at 5 minutes and 2 hours after cessation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Both groups had significant pulmonary dysfunction in terms of static pulmonary compliance, airway resistance, and respiratory index. There was greater impairment of pulmonary compliance and respiratory index after deep hypothermia with low flow, and this group required longer intensive care unit stay.     

超声评价肺血减少型复杂先天性心脏病双向Glenn术后肺血管发育的临床价值

目的:探讨超声心动图评价肺血减少型复杂先天性心脏病(先心病)双向Glenn分流术后肺血管发育的临床应用价值。方法:应用二维经胸超声心动图测量101例复杂发绀型先心病患儿双向Glenn分流术前后左、右肺动脉内径,同时测量术前、术后经皮血氧饱和度,评价其术后肺血管发育。根据有无肺动脉前向血流将患儿分为肺动脉闭锁组(30例)和肺动脉狭窄组(71例);另分为婴幼儿组(年龄≤3岁,51例)和儿童组(年龄>3岁,50例),比较各组内及组间手术前后肺动脉分支内径及血氧饱和度变化。结果 :术后应用超声心动图随访12～36个月,左、右肺动脉内径及血氧饱和度较术前有不同程度改善。肺动脉狭窄组较肺动脉闭锁组术后肺动脉生长发育及血氧饱和度的改善更明显;婴幼儿组肺动脉发育及血氧饱和度改善情况优于儿童组(P<0.01)。应用超声定量的肺动脉分支发育与临床血氧相关性回归分析结果满意(P<0.001)。结论:肺血减少型复杂先心病患儿施行双向Glenn分流术后,可在不增加右心室前负荷情况下增加肺血流,促进患者肺动脉血管发育,提高血氧饱和度。超声心动图对术后定量随访评估肺血管发育,评估预后有重要的临床应用价值。     

Amplatzer vascular plug closure of a Blalock–Taussig shunt through a Glenn shunt

We describe an unusual route and uncommon device use for the percutaneous closure of a modified Blalock–Taussig (BT) shunt. A 4‐year‐old male had presented with severe upper body swelling after a bidirectional Glenn shunt done one month earlier. The BT shunt which was clipped during the surgery was found to be patent. The BT shunt was finally closed from the bidirectional Glenn using an Amplatzer vascular plug, resulting in symptom relief. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

非体外循环和体外循环冠状架桥的效果和资源利用的比较

目的 :比较非体外循环 （off pum p）和体外循环 （CPB）冠状动脉架桥 （CABG）手术的效果和转归。方法 :113例患者接受 CABG手术 ,其中 5 9例采用 off pum p CABG,5 5例采用传统的 CABG,作者用回顾性分析的方法比较两组患者的手术时间 ,病变情况 ,拔管时间 ,ICU留住时间 ,出院时间和病死率。结果 :两组患者的手术时间 ,病变情况无明显差异 ,off pump组的拔管时间略早于 CPB组 （9∶ 15 ） ,但无统计学意义。 Off pum p组的 ICU留住时间和出院时间均明显短于 CPB组 ,off pum p组的病死率明显低于 CPB组。结论 :off pum p CABG较之传统的 CABG有较低的病死率 ,并能缩短 ICU留住时间和住院时间 ,因此减少医疗费用 ,节约医疗资源。