Details of Arterial Switch Operation

It is an open heart surgical procedure used to correct dextro-transposition of the great arteries. This surgery may be used in combination with other procedures for treatment of certain cases of double outlet right ventricle (DORV) in which the great arteries are dextro-transposed.

May include:

• Breathlessness
• Blue color of the skin
• Lack of appetite
• Poor weight gain

May include:

• Fetal growth
• Genetic history
• Congenital heart defect
• Blockage with oxygen-rich blood circulation

May be asked for:

• Echocardiogram.
• Cardiac catheterization.
• Chest X-ray.
• Electrocardiogram.

Atrial switch operation. In this surgery, the surgeon makes a baffle between the heart's two upper chambers (atria). This diverts the oxygen-poor blood to the left ventricle and the pulmonary artery and the oxygen-rich blood to the right ventricle and the aorta. With the help of this the right ventricle starts pumping blood to the body instead of only to lungs just like to normal heart.

Which may increase your risks:

• Poorly controlled diabetes.
• Viral disease like German measles during pregnancy.
• Drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
• Smoking during pregnancy.

May include:

• Lung damage.
• Heart failure.
• Lack of oxygen to tissues.