Arterial switch operation
Arterial Switch Operation
The Arterial Switch Operation (pronunciation: ar-teer-ee-al switch op-er-a-tion) is a surgical procedure performed to correct Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a congenital heart defect.
Etymology
The term "Arterial Switch Operation" is derived from the nature of the procedure itself. The operation involves switching the positions of the two main arteries (the Aorta and the Pulmonary Artery) so that they are connected to the correct chambers of the heart.
Procedure
The Arterial Switch Operation is performed within the first few weeks of life. The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. The Coronary Arteries are detached from the pulmonary artery and reattached to the aorta. The pulmonary artery and the aorta are then switched to their correct positions. This allows oxygen-rich blood to flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, and oxygen-poor blood to flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery.
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