Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) Treatment in Turkey
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What is a Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)?
Transposition of the Great Arteries is a heart defect present at birth in which the aorta and pulmonary artery have abnormal connections with the heart's ventricles. In d-TGA, oxygen-poor blood returning from the body is pumped back to the body through the aorta, while oxygen-rich blood returning from the lungs is pumped back toward the lungs. This creates two separate circulation loops and limits oxygen delivery to the body.
What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?
Timely treatment is critical in d-TGA because inadequate mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood can cause severe oxygen deficiency soon after birth. Immediate stabilisation, maintenance or creation of adequate blood mixing, and definitive surgical repair can improve oxygen delivery and reduce the risk of serious complications. Lifelong congenital heart follow-up is also important after repair because some patients may develop valve, coronary artery, rhythm, or other cardiac problems later in life.
What are the Common Symptoms of a Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)?
- Cyanosis: Bluish or greyish skin, lips, or nails may appear soon after birth because of low blood oxygen levels.
- Breathing Difficulties: Rapid or difficult breathing may occur when the baby has inadequate oxygen delivery or associated heart problems.
- Poor Feeding: Babies may have difficulty feeding, tire easily during feeds, or take longer to feed.
- Weak Pulse: Reduced oxygen delivery and impaired circulation may contribute to weak pulses.
- Rapid Heartbeat: A fast heartbeat may occur as the heart attempts to maintain adequate circulation.
- Poor Weight Gain: Babies with significant congenital heart disease may have difficulty gaining weight and growing normally.
Causes and Risk Factors of Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Causes
- Abnormal Heart Development: TGA occurs because the major arteries do not develop with their normal connections to the ventricles during fetal heart development.
- Genetic Factors: Genetic or chromosomal factors may contribute to some congenital heart defects, although the specific cause of d-TGA is unknown in most cases.
- Developmental Factors: Complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors may influence heart development.
Risk Factors
- Maternal Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of d-TGA.
- Family History: A family history of congenital heart defects may increase the likelihood of certain congenital cardiac abnormalities.
- Genetic or Chromosomal Conditions: Some congenital heart defects occur as part of genetic or chromosomal conditions.
- Pregnancy-Related Factors: Certain maternal health, environmental, medication, or nutritional factors may increase the risk of congenital heart defects.
Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) in Turkey
- Recent advances include fetal echocardiography for earlier diagnosis, 3D echocardiography and advanced cardiac imaging for surgical planning, improved neonatal intensive care, and catheter-based balloon atrial septostomy when additional blood mixing is needed. Advances in arterial switch surgery, coronary artery assessment, and postoperative monitoring also support better outcomes and long-term follow-up.
Treatment options for Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)
Balloon Atrial Septostomy : A catheter-based procedure can enlarge the opening between the atria, allowing more oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood to mix when natural mixing is inadequate.
Cost Start From 8500Explore Options
Arterial Switch Operation : The most commonly used definitive repair for d-TGA. The aorta and pulmonary artery are reconnected to the appropriate ventricles, and the coronary arteries are transferred to the new aortic position. Older surgical procedures such as the Mustard or Senning operation redirect blood flow inside the atria rather than switching the great arteries.
- Clinical assessment:
- Prenatal Assessment: Routine pregnancy ultrasound may identify suspected TGA, followed by fetal echocardiography for detailed assessment.
- Medical and Birth History: Assessment includes pregnancy history, delivery details, cyanosis, feeding, breathing, and associated congenital conditions.
- Physical Examination: Evaluation of skin colour, breathing, pulse, heart sounds, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and signs of poor circulation.
- Pulse Oximetry: Measures blood oxygen saturation and can help identify critical congenital heart disease in newborns.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): May provide information about heart rhythm and electrical activity.
- Blood Tests: Blood gases, electrolytes, glucose, blood counts, and other tests may be performed during neonatal stabilisation.
- Imaging Tests:
- Fetal Echocardiography: Provides detailed prenatal assessment of the heart chambers, valves, great arteries, and blood flow.
- Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): The principal postnatal imaging test used to confirm TGA, assess associated defects, and evaluate heart function.
- Chest X-Ray: May provide information about the heart and lungs and help assess other causes of respiratory symptoms.
- Cardiac CT: May provide detailed anatomical information in selected complex cases or for procedural planning.
- Cardiac MRI: Can assess cardiac anatomy and ventricular function during later follow-up in selected patients.
- Cardiac Catheterisation: May be used for selected diagnostic or interventional procedures, including balloon atrial septostomy.
- Advanced Three-Dimensional Imaging: May support detailed anatomical assessment and surgical or catheter-based planning in selected complex cases.
MediRehab (a chain of rehab centers, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive tele-rehabilitation services designed to support Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) patients in Turkey. These services include:
- Cardiac Rehabilitation: Selected children and adults may benefit from structured rehabilitation based on their cardiac function and treatment history.
- Gradual Physical Activity: Increase activity according to heart function, symptoms, rhythm status, and congenital heart specialist advice.
- Paediatric Developmental Support: Babies and children with complex congenital heart disease may require developmental assessment and support.
- Occupational Therapy: Selected children may benefit from support with age-appropriate functional activities.
- Long-Term Congenital Heart Follow-Up: Regular specialist assessments help monitor heart function, rhythm, valves, coronary arteries, exercise capacity, and late complications.
- Medicines used in TGA depend on the patient's age, anatomy, oxygen level, and associated complications. Prostaglandins may be used in newborns with d-TGA to maintain ductal patency and support blood mixing before definitive treatment. Other medicines may support cardiac function, manage fluid retention, control blood pressure, or treat abnormal heart rhythms when needed. Medication needs may change after surgery and during long-term follow-up.
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Hospitals for Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) in Turkey
Medicana Camlica Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Medicana Camlica Hospital located in Istanbul, Turkey is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 150 bedded Hospital
- Specialty-based clinics
- Fully-equipped patient rooms
Medipol Bahçelievler Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Medipol Bahcelievler Hospital is a medical institution providing a full range of medical and individualized approaches to its patients. Medipol has the ambition to bring high quality and maximum security to people in need by employing state-of-the-art technologies in medicine. They ensure that the health of the patients is improved by fashioning unique physician specialty treatment programs.
Medipol Bahcelievler Hospital provides an exceptional position in the healthcare industry with a policy of clear communication, professionalism, and reliability to patient expectations. Medipol Bahçelievler Hospital is situated in the European Side of Istanbul, dedicated to 24-hour health care for you and your loved ones, equipped with a fully functional operation theatre and ICUs with state-of-the-art equipment, laboratory, emergency, and advanced treatment rooms
Eregli Anadolu Hospital
Zonguldak, Turkey
Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Eregli Anadolu Hospital located in Zonguldak, Turkey has a wide variety of facilities available for International Patients. Some of the facilities which are provided by them are Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Choice of Meals, Interpreter, SIM, TV inside room. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- Latest cutting edge technology applied in the diagnostic and medical treatment equipment and processes.
- Complex and critical conditions have been treated by the hospital over time.
- Inbuilt area is 9000 square meters
- 130 inpatient bed capacity
- 30 physicians working in the hospital
- A number of polyclinics
- Diagnostic facilities such as with imaging, sleep labs, biochemistry labs
- Emergency rooms available
- Intensive care units for critical cases
- Operation theatres with latest facilities
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Why Choose Turkey for Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) Treatment?
- Experienced Paediatric Cardiac Specialists: Access to paediatric cardiologists, congenital heart surgeons, cardiac intensivists, and other specialists involved in TGA care.
- Advanced Newborn Cardiac Care: Specialised centres may provide neonatal intensive care, continuous monitoring, respiratory support, and urgent cardiac stabilisation.
- Advanced Echocardiography: Fetal and postnatal echocardiography can support early diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Cardiac Catheterisation Facilities: Eligible newborns may have access to procedures such as balloon atrial septostomy.
- Congenital Heart Surgery: Specialised centres can perform arterial switch operations and manage associated congenital heart abnormalities.
- Multidisciplinary Heart Teams: Paediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, imaging specialists, nurses, nutritionists, and rehabilitation professionals can coordinate care.
- Long-Term Follow-Up: Congenital heart programmes can monitor patients from childhood through adulthood for potential late complications.
- International Patient Support: Many major Turkey hospitals assist international patients with medical records, appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, and follow-up.
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Author
Pragun Gupta
Pragun Gupta is a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) professional from Teerthanker Mahaveer University with hands-on experience in clinical pharmacology, clinical research, and evidence-based medical writing. Through her clinical and research exposure, she has developed a strong interest in pharmacoeconomics, pharmacology, therapeutics, and pharmacovigilance.
As a medical writer, she works on medical and scientific research articles, patient education materials, and healthcare-focused content. Her clinical research and evidence-based writing experience enables her to translate complex medical information into clear, accurate, patient-friendly content while maintaining scientific credibility and medical accuracy. Her primary aim is to make healthcare information accessible and easy for patients and general readers to understand.
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Dr. Nityanand Tripathi
Interventional Cardiologist
29 Years of Experience
With a rich experience of more than 29 years, Dr. Nityanand has gained a vast spectrum of skills and expertise in performing all types of complex cardiac procedures. He is an expert in clinical & interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. He studied his medicine (MBBS) and MD from the Institute of Medical Sciences of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and later completed his DM in Cardiology from the prestigious King George Medical University, Lucknow. View More
Last Reviewed - January 2026