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Professional Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

arterial switch operation

Surgical correction of transposition of great arteries by switching arterial connections to anatomically correct positions.

Full Definition

The arterial switch operation (ASO) is the preferred surgical treatment for transposition of the great arteries (TGA), typically performed in neonates. The procedure involves transecting both the aorta and pulmonary artery above their respective valves and switching their connections, so the aorta arises from the left ventricle and the pulmonary artery from the right ventricle. Critical to the operation is the transfer of coronary arteries from the original aortic root to the neo-aortic root, along with reconstruction of the pulmonary artery using the original aortic tissue.

Usage

Usage note: Abbreviate as ASO; distinguish from atrial switch procedures (Mustard/Senning).

In Context

  • "The arterial switch operation was performed on day 12 of life for simple TGA." — Operative report
  • "Coronary transfer was the most technically demanding aspect of the arterial switch operation." — Surgical note

Also known as

ASO Jatene operation

Contrasted with

atrial switch operation

Don't confuse with

atrial switch Rastelli operation

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