Methods: In the period between January 2008 and August 2009, nine patients (6 males, 3 females; mean age 9.6±0.6 months; range 6 to 16 months) with univentricular morphology who underwent BDG shunt were enrolled in the study. A bilateral bidirectional Glenn shunt was performed in two of the nine patients. The parameters that were measured and recorded were as follows; pre- and postoperative pulmonary artery pressures, systemic ventricular oxygen saturation before and after the BDG procedure during surgery (Partial oxygen pressure, PO2) and peripheral pulse arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2).

Results: Mean pulmonary artery pressures, before and after BDG procedure were found as 12.6±4.0; 12.6±5.4 mmHg, respectively (p>0.05). Prior to and after the BDG, systemic ventricular oxygen saturations were; 69.3±3.2% and 80.2±2.7%, respectively (p<0.008). Pulse oxymetric saturations before and after surgery on room air [fractional oxygen saturation (FiO2: 21%)] were as follows; 69.3±3.2 and 78.0±7.3, respectively and it was found statisticaly significant (p=0.011). Mean extubation time was 18.3±11.1 hours and mean intensive care unit stay was 2.8±1.3 days. Overall follow up was 10.2±5.1 months (range 3-17 months). Two infants had pneumonia during the early postoperative period. There were no additional reports of morbidity and mortality in the other cases during the follow-up period.

Conclusion: Bidirectional Glenn shunt procedure may provide a significant increase in oxygen saturation in patients with univentricular hearts. An increase in oxygen saturation in the systemic ventricle will achieve lower mortality and higher survival rate, as well as improve the quality of life until the total cavo-pulmonary surgical operation.