Glenn Procedure in India

Estimated Cost of the Bidirectional Glenn Procedure.

Average Price Range: $6,500 – $10,000 USD

Cost Includes:

1. Pre-operative evaluation and diagnostics (echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, labs)

2. Surgical fees

3. Pediatric ICU stay

4. Hospitalization (7–14 days depending on recovery)

5. Medication and post-operative care

Follow-up consultations

Note: The exact cost of the Glenn shunt procedure may vary depending on the hospital, the child’s condition, and whether previous surgeries (such as the Norwood procedure) have been done.

Factors Affecting the BD Glenn Procedure Cost in India.

1. Child’s age, weight, and overall health

2. Type of heart defect and surgical complexity

3. Choice of hospital and city

4. Length of hospital stay and ICU requirements

5. Post-operative care needs (especially for international patients)

At Innayat Medical, we provide complete transparency in pricing and offer cost-effective packages from NABH- and JCI-accredited hospitals. Our case managers guide families throughout the treatment journey—from planning to post-surgery care.

Top Cities in India for the Glenn Procedure

India is home to some of the most advanced pediatric cardiac surgery programs in the world. With internationally accredited hospitals, experienced pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons, and state-of-the-art facilities, several Indian cities have become medical hubs for the Glenn procedure, especially for international patients.

Here are the top cities in India where the BD Glenn procedure is performed with high success rates and compassionate pediatric care:

1. Delhi NCR
Delhi is a leading medical destination for pediatric cardiology. Hospitals like Medanta – The Medicity, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, and Apollo Hospital are renowned for their specialized cardiac units, offering advanced procedures like the Glenn shunt procedure with excellent clinical outcomes.

2. Mumbai
Mumbai is home to top-tier hospitals such as Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Jaslok Hospital, and Wockhardt Hospitals—all offering high-end pediatric cardiac care. Their surgical teams routinely perform complex congenital surgeries, including the bidirectional Glenn procedure, with outstanding precision.

3. Bangalore
Known as India’s “Silicon Valley,” Bangalore also boasts some of the most respected pediatric heart centers like Narayana Health, Manipal Hospital, and Rainbow Children’s Hospital, offering cutting-edge care and modern infrastructure for Glenn procedures.

4. Chennai
Chennai is a longstanding leader in cardiothoracic surgery. Apollo Children’s Hospital and MIOT International have extensive experience in neonatal and pediatric cardiac procedures including the BD Glenn procedure, especially for high-risk and complex congenital heart conditions.

5. Hyderabad
Hospitals in Hyderabad like KIMS Hospital, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, and Continental Hospital are known for their pediatric cardiac excellence. These institutions offer comprehensive care from diagnosis through surgery and long-term follow-up.

6. Kochi & Ahmedabad
Emerging cities like Kochi and Ahmedabad are becoming popular for families seeking cost-effective but quality pediatric heart surgeries. Hospitals in these regions maintain high medical standards and lower overall treatment costs.

 

At Innayat Medical, we help parents choose the best city and hospital based on the child’s medical profile, family’s budget, and travel needs. With us, families receive personalized care coordination, hospital comparisons, and continuous support throughout the medical journey in India.

More Information About the Glenn Procedure in Pediatric Cardiology

The Glenn procedure—more specifically, the bidirectional Glenn (BD Glenn) procedure—is a highly specialized surgery that plays a critical role in the staged treatment plan for children born with single-ventricle heart defects. Understanding how and why this procedure is performed can give parents greater confidence in the path ahead.

What Is the Glenn Shunt Procedure?
The Glenn shunt procedure is a type of heart surgery where the superior vena cava (SVC)—a large vein that carries oxygen-poor blood from the upper body—is surgically connected directly to the pulmonary arteries. This allows blood to bypass the right side of the heart and flow passively into the lungs for oxygenation. By doing this, the heart’s workload is reduced, and oxygen delivery throughout the body is improved.

This surgery is called “bidirectional” because blood from the SVC is allowed to flow into both the left and right pulmonary arteries.

Who Needs the BD Glenn Procedure?
Children born with complex congenital heart defects involving underdeveloped or malformed ventricles often require a BD Glenn procedure. These conditions include:

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS)

Tricuspid Atresia

Double-Inlet Left Ventricle (DILV)

Pulmonary Atresia

Single Ventricle Defects

Heterotaxy Syndrome

The Glenn is typically the second stage of a three-part surgery:-

Stage 1: Norwood Procedure (done shortly after birth)

Stage 2: Bidirectional Glenn Procedure (at around 4–6 months of age)

Stage 3: Fontan Procedure (usually between 2–4 years of age)

How Is the Glenn Procedure Performed?

• Anesthesia: The child is placed under general anesthesia.
• Surgical Access: A median sternotomy (incision through the breastbone) is made.
• Heart-Lung Bypass: A machine temporarily takes over heart and lung function.
• Shunt Creation: The surgeon disconnects the SVC from the heart and connects it to the right pulmonary artery. This creates a direct path for blood to flow into the lungs.
• Closure and Recovery: The chest is closed, and the child is monitored in the Pediatric ICU (PICU).

The Glenn procedure usually takes about 4–6 hours. Recovery in the hospital typically lasts 7–14 days, depending on the child’s condition and response to surgery.

Why the Bidirectional Glenn Procedure Is Critical
This surgery helps prepare the child’s body for the Fontan procedure, which completes the circulation system without relying on two working ventricles. Without the Glenn shunt procedure, children with single ventricle defects would struggle with chronic low oxygen levels and heart failure symptoms.

Recovery & Follow-Up

• Most children spend 2–3 days in the Pediatric ICU
• They are usually discharged within 10–14 days
• Regular follow-up with a pediatric cardiologist is necessary
• Medications may be prescribed to support heart function and prevent clotting
• Long-term, children who undergo the BD Glenn procedure often lead active lives with careful monitoring and timely intervention for any complications.