The procedure is done to treat the transposition of the great arteries (TGA). In transposition of the great arteries, the two major arteries leaving the heart are connected to the wrong ventricles, the two lower chambers of the heart. The result is that blood containing oxygen from the lungs is pumped back into the lungs, while the blood that lacks oxygen, which is necessary to nourish the body, is pumped throughout the body. When the body does not receive enough oxygen, it cannot function normally and this lack of oxygen can lead to life-threatening complications.

Transposition of the great arteries is usually diagnosed in newborns within hours or days of birth. Common symptoms include blue color of the skin (cyanosis) due to lack of oxygen, shallow breathing, loss of appetite, and minimal or no weight gain. The medical team will usually support the newborn until they can undergo surgery. Permanent treatment requires a surgical procedure to switch the arteries to their proper places. Most children can return to normal activities as well as eat and grow normally after the procedure.

• Excessive bleeding.
• Arrhythmias.
• Reaction to medication.
• Damage to blood vessels.
• Heart valve problems.
• Infection.
• Stroke.
• Death.

• Fever.
• Swelling, redness, or bleeding of/from the incision site.
• Shallow breathing.
• Abnormal fatigue or weakness.
• Loss of appetite or inability to eat.
• Increasing pain.

The success of the procedure depends on a number of factors. Please discuss the likelihood of success with your doctor before the procedure.

What if the procedure is not performed?

The surgery is the only treatment for transposition of the great arteries. If left untreated, the disease is fatal within six months in patient with severe symptoms.

Medication and balloon angioplasty, however it is only a temporary treatment.