Transposition of the great vessels

Alternative Names

Treatment

The baby will immediatley receive a medicine called prostaglandin through an IV (intravenous line). This medicine helps blood flow through the lungs and body.

A procedure using cardiac catheterization (balloon atrial septostomy) may be needed to create a large hole in the atrial septum to allow blood to mix.

In most hospitals, a type of surgery called an arterial switch procedure can be used to permanently correct the problem within the first week of life. This surgery switches the great arteries back to the normal position along with the coronary arteries.

Outlook (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.

Possible Complications

• Arrhythmias
• Heart valve problems
• Coronary artery disease

When to Contact a Medical Professional

This condition can be diagnosed before birth using a fetal echocardiogram. If it is not, it is usually diagnosed soon after 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 condition and new symptoms develop, get worse, or continue after treatment.

References

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2007.