Take-down of cava-pulmonary artery anastomosis (Gleen) during repair of congenital cardiac malformations: report of 5 cases.

The dismantling of previously made anastomses between the superior vena cava and right pulmonary artery (Glenn shunts) and reconstruction of superior vena cava-right artial continuity have been accomplished in 5 patients at the time of intracardiac repair of congenital heart defects. All patients survived the hospitalization period, but 2 died late postoperatively of causes apparently not related to the cava-atrial reconstruction. Experience with these 5 patients and the intraoperative techniques employed are presented.