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What is a Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)?

Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) is a congenital heart defect in which the major arteries leaving the heart are connected to the wrong ventricles. In the most common form, d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA), the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arises from the left ventricle. This creates two parallel circulation pathways rather than the normal series circulation.

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, maintaining or restoring 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 receives inadequate oxygen or has 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 Fetal Heart Development: d-TGA develops when the great arteries form abnormal connections with the heart's ventricles during fetal development.
  • Genetic and Developmental Factors: Genetic influences and complex developmental processes may contribute, although most cases have no clearly identifiable cause.
  • Multifactorial Origins: Some cases may involve a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental influences.

Risk Factors

  • Maternal diabetes during pregnancy
  • A family history of congenital heart defects, although most cases are not directly inherited
  • Certain genetic or chromosomal conditions, in a minority of cases
  • Other maternal health or pregnancy-related factors associated with congenital heart defects

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) in the United Arab Emirates

  • Current TGA care focuses on early prenatal and newborn diagnosis, rapid stabilisation, advanced echocardiography, specialised neonatal cardiac care, and timely surgical repair. Fetal echocardiography can help identify d-TGA before birth, while newborn pulse oximetry screening can help detect critical congenital heart defects. Postnatal echocardiography provides detailed information about the great arteries, associated defects, blood flow, and cardiac function.

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.


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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 within 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: Neonatal stabilisation may include blood gases, electrolytes, glucose, blood counts, and other tests.
  • 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: It may support assessment of the heart and lungs but cannot confirm or exclude TGA.
    • Cardiac CT and MRI: Keep as selected tests for complex anatomy, procedural planning, or later follow-up; they are not routine first-line tests for every newborn.
    • Cardiac catheterisation: Clarify that it is used when an intervention, such as balloon atrial septostomy, is needed or when specific additional hemodynamic information is required.

MediRehab (a chain of Rehab centres, part of MediGence) provides comprehensive tele-rehabilitation services designed to support Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) patients in the United Arab Emirates. 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.
  • Pediatric 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.
  • 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 United Arab Emirates

Iranian Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Iranian Hospital

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Design structure of any hospital is very important. It shows the level of concern that a Hospital is considering for its patients’ comfort.

As a whole, Iranian Hospital is equipped with 187 premium beds, 35 speciality clinics, 10 ICU Beds, 12 Neonatal ICU beds, 9 CCU beds, 8 Operation Theatres and 24 Paediatric beds.

The Hospital has medical & comfort facilities for both the segments:

  • Inpatients
  • Outpatients

Inpatient Services:

  • 24*7 Emergency Services- consist of 18 general beds, 3 VIP Acute care and 1 Isolation room
  • ICU: 19 beds plus one VIP suite room
  • CCU: 8 beds plus one VIP suite room
  • Internal Medicine ward with 2 VIP Patient suite rooms and 26 beds
  • For health tourists, Global Healthcare Department is present with VIP ward with 10 VIP Suite rooms
  • Surgical wards on gender basis (Men or Women)- 21 beds each + 1 VIP suite room
  • Surgery ward for Day care- 6 beds + 2 private suite rooms
  • 8 Operating rooms fully equipped with modern equipment for laparoscopic surgery
  • Fully equipped Cath-lab with 4 beds recovery unit _ immediate access to operating room for cardiac surgery
  • 38 beds + 1 VIP Suite room for Gynecology and obstetrics
  • 6 labor and 3 delivery beds in labour ward + 1 Emergency room for obstetrics OR
  • 12 beds in Neonatal ICU (NICU)
  • 24 beds + 2 VIP suite rooms in Paediatric ward
  • An Intensive Care Unit with 4 beds and 1 isolation unit for Paediatrics

Outpatients Sevices: Speciality clinics such as General Physician clinics, surgical clinic, Cosmetic & Aesthetic clinic, Ophthalmology clinic, Dentistry, Paediatrics clinic, etc. When it comes to accommodation, people get very conscious while choosing the Hospital. Iranian Hospital is the best at it as Hospital rooms are like luxury apartments equipped with all the amenities required by patients and their families. Services available at the Hospital during stay:

  • Private & shared rooms
  • Nurse call system by the bed
  • Specialized menus for specialized diets are prepared and screened individually by experienced dieticians. Guest trays are available as per request
  • Cleaning & Repairing of rooms to maintain cleanliness & hygiene
  • Each hospital bed has its own telephone extensions

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Kings College Hospital Dubai: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Kings College Hospital Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Apart from in-detail treatment procedures available, Kings College Hospital Dubai located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates 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:

  • 100 beds in the Hospital
  • Operation Theatres
  • Special Intensive Care Units
  • 24*7 Emergency Department
  • Covid-19 Treatment Clinic
  • Wound & Stoma care center
  • Doctor on call (Telemedicine) is also available
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Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman

Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman located in Ajman, United Arab Emirates is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • The hospital has a 250 bed capacity.
  • Excellent quality of healthcare facilities and services at par with developed countries.
  • Multilingual and multinational healthcare professionals working in the Thumbay Hospital Ajman (belonging to 20 nations and fluent in 50 plus languages).
  • Equipped with the newest facilities to ensure highest standards of healthcare delivery to patients at economical costs.
  • Dedicated, compassionate and highly educated healthcare professionals work in Thumbay Hospital Ajman.
  • Well developed diagnostic facilities are also available.
  • A 24/7 functioning emergency care department and advanced facilities in Radiology.
  • There is presence of an ultramodern Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) and Electrosurgery Cryotherapy in dermatology, Interlocking intramedullary nailing.
  • Also available under dental departments Panoramic, digital intra-oral X-rays, Cephalogram are present.
  • Some of the important specialties in Thumbay Hospital Ajman are:
    • Ear, nose, and throat
    • Cardiovascular
    • Bariatric surgery
    • General surgery
    • Urology
    • Nephrology

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Why Choose the United Arab Emirates 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.
  • Multidisciplinary Heart Teams: Paediatric cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, imaging specialists, nurses, nutritionists, and rehabilitation professionals can coordinate care.
  • International Patient Support: Many major UAE hospitals assist international patients with medical records, appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, and follow-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery varies according to the baby's condition, associated heart defects, timing of surgery, and postoperative course. Hospital recovery after an arterial switch operation may take several weeks, while complete physical recovery and developmental follow-up can take longer. Lifelong cardiac follow-up is recommended after repair.

Babies with untreated d-TGA cannot safely be managed through normal physical activity because the condition can cause severe oxygen deficiency and requires urgent treatment. After successful repair, many children and adults can participate in physical activity, although the appropriate level depends on heart function, rhythm, residual defects, and specialist assessment.

Many advanced UAE paediatric cardiac centres provide fetal and postnatal echocardiography, neonatal intensive care, cardiac catheterisation, balloon atrial septostomy, congenital heart surgery, advanced cardiac imaging, and long-term congenital heart follow-up.

Many major UAE hospitals have international patient departments that help overseas families with medical records, appointments, treatment coordination, accommodation, interpretation where available, and follow-up arrangements. For a critically ill newborn, however, urgent stabilisation should not be delayed for international travel.

Look for a centre with paediatric cardiologists, congenital-heart surgeons, neonatal cardiac intensive care, advanced echocardiography, cardiac catheterisation facilities, and experience managing neonatal TGA and arterial switch surgery. Long-term congenital heart follow-up is also important.

The outcomes depend on the type of TGA, coronary artery anatomy, associated heart defects, pre-treatment oxygen levels, timing of surgery, ventricular function, and postoperative complications. The treating congenital heart team can discuss expected outcomes based on the individual anatomy and clinical condition.

Many specialised UAE paediatric cardiac centres have teams experienced in diagnosing and treating TGA, including neonatal stabilisation, balloon atrial septostomy, arterial switch surgery, postoperative intensive care, and long-term congenital-heart follow-up.

Risks vary by procedure and the baby's condition. Catheter-based procedures may involve bleeding, blood-vessel injury, arrhythmias, infection, or other complications. Arterial switch surgery may involve bleeding, infection, rhythm abnormalities, coronary artery complications, valve problems, narrowing of the great arteries, or other cardiac complications. Long-term follow-up is important because some complications can develop later.

Blue or grey skin, breathing difficulty, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, or signs of poor circulation in a newborn require immediate medical assessment. TGA can cause life-threatening oxygen deficiency and may require urgent stabilisation and surgery.

TGA does not directly cause physical or skeletal deformities. However, the condition and its treatment can be associated with long-term cardiac issues, including abnormal heart rhythms, valve problems, coronary artery complications, or changes in heart function. Lifelong congenital heart follow-up helps monitor these issues.

Yes. The original heart defect, associated abnormalities, treatment, exercise limitations, or long-term cardiac complications can affect quality of life. Many patients who undergo successful repair can remain active and participate in everyday activities, with activity recommendations individualised according to their cardiac status.

Untreated d-TGA can cause severe oxygen deficiency and is a life-threatening condition in newborns. Without adequate blood mixing and definitive treatment, the body may not receive sufficient oxygen. After repair, patients still require lifelong follow-up because complications involving heart rhythm, valves, coronary arteries, or ventricular function can occur.

TGA is a congenital heart defect and cannot generally be prevented. Most cases have no clearly identifiable cause. Maintaining appropriate prenatal care and managing maternal health conditions, including diabetes, can support overall fetal health, but there is no guaranteed method for preventing TGA.

TGA can occur in any pregnancy, and the cause of most cases is not known. Certain factors, including maternal diabetes, may increase risk. Genetic factors may contribute to some congenital heart defects, but most d-TGA cases have no identifiable inherited cause.

Author

Alvina Hasan
Alvina Hasan

M.Pharm

2 Year of Experience

Alvina Hasan is a dedicated medical researcher and scientific writer with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. She holds a B.Pharm from Jamia Hamdard University and an M.Pharm in Quality Assurance from DIPSAR University.

With deep medical expertise and a strong interest in healthcare communication, she focuses on transforming complex clinical and scientific information into clear, engaging, and easy-to-understand narratives. She develops insightful healthcare articles and research-driven content designed to support both medical professionals and patients, helping bridge the gap between advanced medical knowledge and practical understanding.

Readers can explore her published research and articles here:

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/868

https://carcinogenesis.com/index.php/JOC/article/view/870

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Reviewer

Dr. Nityanand Tripathi
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