transposition of great arteries
Also written as: TGA — Transposition of Great Arteries
A congenital heart defect where the two main arteries leaving the heart are switched in position.
Full Definition
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a complex congenital heart defect characterized by the abnormal positioning of the aorta and pulmonary artery, where these vessels arise from the wrong ventricles. In complete TGA (d-TGA), the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery from the left ventricle, creating two parallel circuits incompatible with life without mixing. Corrective surgical options include the arterial switch operation (preferred for appropriate anatomy) or atrial switch procedures (Mustard/Senning). The timing of surgery is critical, particularly for arterial switch operations which must be performed while the left ventricle can handle systemic pressures.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between d-TGA (dextro) and l-TGA (levo or corrected transposition) in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The neonate was diagnosed with d-transposition of great arteries and underwent arterial switch operation at 10 days of age." — Pediatric cardiac surgery report
- "Long-term follow-up after transposition of great arteries repair showed excellent functional status with normal exercise tolerance." — Pediatric cardiology follow-up