Professional
Technical
IVT
atrial switch operation
A surgical procedure that redirects blood flow at the atrial level to correct transposition of the great arteries.
Full Definition
An atrial switch operation is a palliative surgical technique used to treat transposition of the great arteries by creating baffles within the atria to redirect venous return. The procedure allows deoxygenated blood to flow to the lungs and oxygenated blood to flow to the body, though the right ventricle remains the systemic ventricle. Common types include the Mustard and Senning operations, which differ in the materials used for baffle construction.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguished from arterial switch operation, which corrects the anatomical arrangement rather than redirecting flow.
In Context
- "The patient underwent an atrial switch operation in infancy and now requires lifelong monitoring for systemic right ventricular function." — Surgical case report
- "Long-term complications of atrial switch operations include arrhythmias and systemic ventricular dysfunction." — Clinical review article
Also known as
atrial redirection
intra-atrial baffle procedure
Contrasted with
arterial switch operation
Don't confuse with
arterial switch operation