transposition of the great arteries
A cyanotic congenital heart defect where the positions of the pulmonary artery and aorta are switched.
Full Definition
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a critical cyanotic congenital heart defect in which the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched, with the aorta arising from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery from the left ventricle. This creates two separate, parallel circuits instead of the normal series circulation. TGA is classified as simple (isolated) or complex (with associated defects). The arterial switch operation is the preferred surgical repair for most cases of TGA, typically performed in the neonatal period. Without intervention, TGA is incompatible with life beyond the neonatal period.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'corrected transposition' (L-TGA) which has different anatomy and prognosis.
In Context
- "The neonate with transposition of the great arteries underwent balloon atrial septostomy for mixing." — Procedure note
- "Arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries was performed on day 8 of life." — Operative summary