Glenn Procedure

The Glenn Procedure is a surgical procedure to correct the blood flow between the pulmonary artery and the heart due to congenital heart defects. This procedure is used to treat certain heart conditions, such as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), and aims to restore children’s heart function.

The Glenn Procedure is usually performed in the first year of life and represents the second stage of a three-stage treatment plan. The first stage, known as Norwood Surgery, is performed shortly after the baby is born and is designed to correct life-threatening heart anomalies. In this surgery, the left chambers and vessels of the heart are corrected and the left ventricle is optimized to pump oxygenated blood throughout the body.

The second stage, the Glenn Procedure, is performed when the baby is about six months old. In this stage, the pulmonary artery is connected to the main artery called the aorta. This allows oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to reach the lungs without mixing. The Glenn Procedure helps the baby’s heart to direct oxygenated blood to the lungs, ensuring that enough oxygenated blood reaches the baby’s vital organs.

The final stage, Fontan Surgery, is performed when the baby is about three years old. With this operation, the veins on the right side of the heart are directly connected to the pulmonary artery. This allows oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to return to the heart from the lungs without mixing. This improves heart and lung function and improves the baby’s quality of life.

The Glenn Procedure is an important surgical intervention to save the lives of children with heart disease and enable them to lead a normal life. However, it should be kept in mind that such surgeries are risky and complex. It is of great importance that they are performed by specialist surgeons and that the postoperative process is closely monitored.

In conclusion, the Glenn Procedure is a vital surgical procedure in the treatment of children with congenital heart diseases. This procedure is used to treat certain heart conditions, such as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, and helps to correct conditions that threaten the baby’s life. Performed by specialist surgeons, the Glenn Procedure improves life quality for children, enabling them to grow up healthy and lead a normal life. However, due to the risky nature of the surgery, it must be performed under the guidance and follow-up of specialist physicians.