Transposition of the Great Arteries

Alternate Names : Transposition of the Great Vessels, TGA

What are the treatments for the disease?

A baby with TGA needs to be treated in a hospital that specializes in the treatment of children with congenital heart disease. Medications are used to help keep the child alive until surgery can be done. Cardiac catheterization may also be used to place a small hole in the heart to improve circulation. This is usually done only to keep the child alive until surgery.

In some cases, open heart surgery may be done hours after birth. In other cases, surgery may be delayed for a few weeks. There are many different types of surgery, depending on the exact heart defects that are present. The goal of surgery is to make the circulation as close to normal as possible.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

There are many different medications that may be used before surgery. These may cause allergic reactions, salt imbalances, or kidney damage. Surgery may cause bleeding, infection, allergic reaction to anesthesia, and even death.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

The long-term outlook for a child with TGA usually depends on the severity of the heart defects before surgery. Children will need close monitoring after surgery to make sure the heart is functioning well. Heart medications may be needed after surgery. These medications can help the heart pump better or stop irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias.

How is the disease monitored?

A child with transposition of the great arteries will need long-term monitoring. It is important for the parents to watch for any return of heart symptoms and report any change in the child's condition to the healthcare provider.