Transposition of the great vessels

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Heart, section through the middle

Heart, front view

Transposition of the great vessels

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Transposition of the great vessels

Alternative Names:

Transposition of the great arteries

Treatment:

Immediately after diagnosis, a medication called prostaglandin is started intravenously to maintain the small connection (the ductus arteriosus) between the pulmonary and systemic circulations. Surgery to temporarily adjust the vessels may be required shortly after birth, with permanent correction postponed until the child is older. However, a surgical technique known as an arterial switch procedure allows permanent correction within the first month of life.

Expectations (prognosis):

Improvement in symptoms and growth and development is seen after surgical correction of the defect. If corrective surgery is not performed, the life expectancy is shortened.

Complications:

Arrhythmias
Heart valve problems

Calling your health care provider:

This condition is usually diagnosed when a baby is born. Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number such as 911 if your baby's skin develops a bluish color.

Call the health care provider if your baby has this disorder and new symptoms develop, become worse over time, or if symptoms continue after treatment.

Review Date: 10/22/2004
Reviewed By: Brendan T. Campbell, MD, MPH, Department of Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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