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Glenn Shunt (Bidirectional Glenn Procedure) in India

Also known as Bidirectional Glenn procedure, BD Glenn surgery, Glenn procedure, hemi-Fontan procedure, cavopulmonary shunt, superior cavopulmonary connection

Glenn Shunt (Bidirectional Glenn Procedure) in India
Cost from$4,000 – $8,500 In hospital7-10 days Stay in Indiaabout 3-4 weeks Success80-90% Procedure time3-4 hours AnaesthesiaGeneral Opinion in24 hours

The short answer

Glenn shunt (bidirectional Glenn) surgery in India costs between $4,000 and $8,500, against $60,000 or more in Western countries. It's the second stage in treating single-ventricle heart defects, redirecting blood from the upper body directly into the lungs to reduce strain on the heart, usually performed at 4-6 months of age.

About Glenn Shunt (Bidirectional Glenn Procedure)

The Glenn shunt, also called the bidirectional Glenn (BD Glenn) procedure, is the second stage in a series of surgeries for children born with single-ventricle heart defects, conditions such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, where only one of the heart's two pumping chambers is strong enough to function. In a healthy heart, the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs and the left ventricle pumps it to the body; children with single-ventricle physiology have only one chamber capable of this work.

What the surgery does

During the Glenn procedure, the superior vena cava, the large vein carrying oxygen-poor blood from the upper body, is disconnected from the heart and connected directly to the pulmonary artery. This allows blood from the upper body to flow passively into the lungs for oxygenation without the heart having to pump it, significantly reducing the workload on the single functioning ventricle. Most children who undergo a Glenn procedure have already had an earlier surgery, commonly a Blalock-Taussig shunt or pulmonary artery band, placed in the newborn period.

Part of a staged plan

The Glenn is not usually the final surgery. It is typically followed some years later by the Fontan procedure, which completes the redirection of blood flow. Together, these staged surgeries allow a single ventricle to support circulation for the whole body over the long term. Not every child who has a Glenn will go on to need a Fontan on the same timeline; this is assessed individually by the cardiac team.

Why patients choose India for this

Save 85-90% on complex staged heart surgery

The same bidirectional Glenn technique performed in leading Western paediatric cardiac centres is available in India at a fraction of the cost.

High-volume paediatric cardiac surgery centres

Partner hospitals perform staged single-ventricle surgeries, Norwood, Glenn and Fontan, as a structured pathway, not as isolated one-off procedures.

Experienced paediatric cardiac anaesthesia and ICU teams

Infants undergoing this surgery need specialised peri-operative and ICU care; our partner centres have dedicated paediatric cardiac ICU teams for this.

Continuity of care toward the Fontan stage

Surgeons track the child's progress with an eye on the next staged surgery, so families get a clear long-term picture, not just this operation.

Glenn Shunt (Bidirectional Glenn Procedure) cost

CountryIndicative cost
India — with Nobel Medi Assistance $4,000 – $8,500
United States$60,000 - $120,000
United Kingdom$35,000 - $60,000
UAE / Middle East$20,000 - $35,000
Singapore$25,000 - $40,000

Figures are indicative for international patients and depend on the hospital, the surgeon and your reports. Your exact cost is confirmed in writing after a specialist review — free, and with no obligation.

What the estimate covers

Included

  • Paediatric cardiac surgeon and surgical team fees
  • Operation theatre, anaesthesia and standard cardiac surgical supplies
  • Cardiac ICU and hospital stay for the planned duration
  • Routine medicines during the hospital stay
  • Post-operative nursing and monitoring
  • Pre-discharge echocardiogram to confirm shunt function

Not included

  • Pre-operative cardiac catheterisation or MRI, if not already done
  • Flights, visa and travel insurance for the child and accompanying parent(s)
  • Accommodation once discharged from hospital
  • The earlier newborn-stage surgery (e.g. BT shunt), if not already performed
  • The later Fontan procedure, priced and scheduled separately when the time comes
  • Long-term cardiology follow-up after returning home

How Glenn Shunt (Bidirectional Glenn Procedure) is done

  1. Cardiac assessmentA paediatric cardiac surgeon reviews echocardiogram, catheterisation or MRI findings to confirm the child's anatomy and readiness for surgery.
  2. Pre-operative workupBlood tests, imaging and paediatric cardiac anaesthesia clearance are completed before admission.
  3. AnaesthesiaThe child is placed under general anaesthesia and prepared for open-heart surgery.
  4. Rerouting the vena cavaThe superior vena cava is disconnected from the heart and connected directly to the pulmonary artery, redirecting upper-body blood flow to the lungs.
  5. Confirming blood flowThe surgical team confirms the new connection is functioning well before closing.
  6. Cardiac ICU recoveryThe child is moved to a dedicated paediatric cardiac ICU for close monitoring of oxygen levels, heart function and recovery.
  7. Discharge and follow-up planThe family goes home with a cardiology follow-up schedule, including monitoring toward an eventual Fontan procedure.

Recovery and what to expect

  • First 24-48 hoursMonitored in the paediatric cardiac ICU, on ventilator support initially, with close tracking of oxygen saturation.
  • Days 3-5Gradual weaning off ventilator support and monitored lines; oxygen levels and feeding are closely tracked.
  • 7-10 daysDischarged from hospital once stable, feeding well, and oxygen levels are satisfactory.
  • 2-3 weeksContinued recovery at accommodation in India, with a follow-up echocardiogram before flying home.
  • OngoingRegular cardiology follow-up continues at home, monitoring growth and oxygen levels, working toward the Fontan stage in future years.

Specialists who perform this

Where it is done

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Glenn shunt needed?
It's a staged surgery for children with single-ventricle heart defects, redirecting blood from the upper body directly to the lungs to reduce the workload on the one functioning ventricle.
At what age is it performed?
Usually between 4 and 6 months of age, once the child is stable enough for this stage of surgery.
Will my child need another surgery after this?
Most children go on to need a Fontan procedure, typically a few years later, to complete the staged circulation plan. Timing is assessed individually.
Is this open-heart surgery?
Yes, the Glenn procedure requires open-heart surgery and takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Can my child live a normal life after the Glenn?
Most children show improved oxygen levels and growth after surgery, though physical activity may remain somewhat limited until the Fontan stage is completed.
What are the success rates?
Reported success rates for the Glenn procedure are generally 80-90%, with excellent long-term outcomes when performed at experienced paediatric cardiac centres.
Can I stay with my child during the hospital stay?
Yes, our partner hospitals accommodate an accompanying parent, and our team assists with visa arrangements for this.

What would your Glenn Shunt (Bidirectional Glenn Procedure) cost?

Send your reports and a senior specialist sends back a written plan with costs within 24 hours. Free, with no obligation.

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