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The arterial switch technique is a rare open-heart surgery that corrects the transposition of the major arteries in infants. During surgery, the surgeon places the aorta and pulmonary artery correctly. The aorta connects to the left ventricle and the pulmonary artery to the right ventricle. This life-saving procedure is often performed within the first two weeks after birth to ensure the baby's appropriate blood circulation and heart function.
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a dangerous congenital heart abnormality in which the aorta and pulmonary artery, the main arteries leaving the heart, are reversed and corrected by arterial switch surgery. Realigning the arteries ensures that the body receives oxygen-rich blood and returns blood flow to normal. Newborns usually have it done in the first few weeks of their lives.
This disorder is typically identified soon after delivery because of signs like poor feeding, breathing difficulties, or bluish skin (cyanosis). Suppose prenatal or postnatal screening results in the suspicion or confirmation of TGA, a pediatric cardiologist must be seen immediately. Timely surgical repair is essential for survival and long-term health.
Preparation includes echocardiography, chest X-rays, and perhaps cardiac catheterisation to confirm the diagnosis and prepare for the surgery. To maintain the ductus arteriosus open until surgery, the baby could be put on prostaglandin infusion. Parents receive counselling regarding the process, its hazards, and anticipated results.
- General Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia aims to keep the infant pain-free and sleeping.
- Heart-Lung Bypass: During surgery, blood is sent outside the body.
- Artery Switching: The pulmonary and aortic arteries are transected and moved into their proper locations.
- Coronary Artery Transfer: Reimplantation of the coronary arteries into the new aorta is known as coronary artery transfer.
- Closure: The infant is kept under strict observation in intensive care, with the heart and chest closed.
After the 6 to 8-hour treatment, patients must stay in the hospital for 1-2 weeks, including in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Heart function monitoring and full recovery take place over several months.
- Bleeding or infection
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- Coronary artery complications
- Residual or recurrent obstruction of arteries
- Heart failure (rare)
- Risk of long-term complications requiring future interventions
By correcting TGA, arterial switch surgery can restore the heart structure and circulation to almost normal, saving lives. It promotes normal development and growth for most children, lowers cyanosis, and greatly increases survival.
Pain management, close observation, and a slow weaning off of medication are all part of the recovery process. Monitoring heart function, growth, and exercise tolerance requires long-term follow-up by a pediatric cardiologist. The majority of kids bounce back quickly and have busy lifestyles.
Over 90% of cases are successful, particularly in facilities with experience. When properly cared for, most babies with artery switches develop and flourish normally, have great long-term results, and have a low risk of problems.
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IRCCS Policlinico San Donato
milan, Italy
- Leading multi-speciality research hospital, specialising in cardiovascular care, established in 1969.
- Part of Gruppo San Donato (GSD) and affiliated with the University of Milan.
- Serves around 300,000 patients annually, including international patients.
- Recognised as a European Reference Centre (ERN GUARD-Heart) for congenital heart diseases.
- Offers advanced services in cardiac surgery, electrophysiology, diagnostic imaging, plastic surgery, and metabolic health.
- Equipped with 10 advanced operating theatres, hemodynamics & electrophysiology labs, and 430 patient beds.
- Multilingual support and patient-centred care, with on-site pharmacies, laboratories, and cafeterias.
- Ranked among the World’s Best Specialised Hospitals (2025) for cardiology and cardiac surgery.
IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi- Sant’Ambrogio
milan, Italy
- IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital – Sant’Ambrogio is a leading multidisciplinary hospital located in Milan, Italy. It is internationally renowned for its excellence in orthopaedics, cardiovascular care, and advanced minimally invasive surgery. The hospital features cutting-edge diagnostic technology and state-of-the-art surgical facilities. It is part of the San Donato Hospital Group, combining research, innovation, and high-quality patient care.
- Recognised since 2006 as an IRCCS for research in locomotor system diseases.
- It combines high‑quality clinical care with translational and basic research in orthopaedics, biomechanics, regenerative medicine, etc.
Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad
Faridabad, India
Marengo Asia Hospitals, located in Faridabad, is a multispecialty, state-of-the-art, and patient-friendly facility that combines the greatest services available in the healthcare segment. With 325 beds now, the hospital can accommodate up to 550 beds. It has first-rate medical facilities including a Critical Care Medicine department for patients with life-threatening conditions. Furthermore, our highly skilled medical staff and cutting-edge software system make us the perfect facility for patients from various backgrounds. We always aim to exceed expectations and are always looking for ways to boost our performance.
Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram
Gurgaon, India
- Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, is a 250-bed multi-speciality tertiary care hospital, formerly known as W Pratiksha Hospital.
- A major medical centre for Delhi NCR and North India, it is situated on Golf Course Extension Road, Sector 56, Gurugram.
- The hospital's NABH and NABL accreditation ensures compliance with international standards for patient care, safety, and quality.
- Provides extensive medical care in more than 21 specialities, including as women's health, neurology, orthopaedics, cardiology, and cancer.
- Advanced robotic-assisted spine surgery tools and neuro-monitoring technology are available at the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), a Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences.
- Equipped with cutting-edge equipment, such as automated labs, sophisticated imaging, and contemporary operating rooms.
- Features specialised ICUs, NICUs, and modular OTs built for complex and minimally invasive procedures.
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