What medical procedure is often needed after a Pott shunt to further manage pulmonary blood flow?

The Glenn procedure is commonly needed after a Pott shunt to further manage pulmonary blood flow. The Pott shunt, which creates a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, can provide temporary relief for certain congenital heart defects by improving blood flow to the lungs. However, this shunt usually does not provide sufficient long-term management of pulmonary blood flow, especially in patients with complex defects like those seen in single ventricle physiology.

The Glenn procedure serves as a subsequent step that helps create a more effective pathway for deoxygenated blood from the upper body to reach the lungs directly. In essence, it connects the superior vena cava to the pulmonary artery, allowing for better oxygenation of blood. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who may have undergone prior surgeries, such as the Pott shunt, and need additional support for their pulmonary circulation.

Other procedures listed, such as the Fontan, Norwood, and Rastelli procedures, address different aspects of congenital heart defects but are not typically the next step following a Pott shunt for the specific purpose of managing pulmonary blood flow.