arterial switch operation
Surgical procedure to correct transposition of great arteries by switching the aorta and pulmonary artery to their anatomically correct positions.
Full Definition
A complex cardiac surgical procedure performed to correct d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA), where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched to restore normal cardiac anatomy and physiology. The procedure involves transecting both great vessels above the semilunar valves and reattaching them to their correct ventricles, along with reimplantation of the coronary arteries to the neo-aorta. Post-operative imaging surveillance is crucial to monitor for complications including coronary artery stenosis, outflow tract obstruction, and valve regurgitation. CT and MRI angiography play important roles in long-term follow-up assessment of the arterial anastomoses and coronary anatomy.
Usage
Usage note: Should not be confused with atrial switch operations (Mustard/Senning), which redirect venous blood flow rather than switching arteries.
In Context
- "Post-operative CT angiography following arterial switch operation showed patent coronary reimplantation sites without stenosis." — Congenital heart surgery follow-up
- "The arterial switch operation was preferred over atrial switch for this patient with d-TGA and intact ventricular septum." — Cardiac surgery consultation