Transposition Of The Great Arteries Treatment

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a congenital heart defect which occurs when the two prime arteries of the heart, pulmonary artery and aorta, take place in an abnormal way. As a result the baby’s body experiences a low level of oxygen supply and trouble breathing, weak pulse and pounding heart like symptoms. According to doctors, Transposition of the great artery treatment is essential to keep the baby alive.

In proper functioning of the heart aorta and pulmonary arteries play a crucial role in pumping out the blood to the whole body. These two arteries help blood flow through the body and lungs. When these arteries do not form in the body in a correct place it affects heart function and poses different health complications to the patient. 

Types of Transposition 

There are two main types of transposition of the great arteries which include:

1.Levo-Transposition (1-TGA) : In this condition a baby’s aorta is positioned to the left side of the pulmonary artery. Along with the two main arteries, the lower area of the baby’s heart is also reversed. In this system, deoxygenated blood is directed to the lungs, while oxygenated blood is circulated throughout the body. However, the incorrect pumping heart’s chamber gets them there.

This type of transposition is less common and also less severe because blood flow where it should flow. Almost less than1% of babies who are born with heart conditions have the 1-transposition type of TGA. 

2. Dextro-Transposition D-TGA: In this condition the baby’s aorta is positioned right side of the pulmonary artery. Studies indicate that approximately 5% to 7% of newborns are affected by this specific form of TGA. When a baby’s pulmonary artery and aorta is linked to the wrong parts of the heart, it affects how blood travels to the body and it leads to poor oxygen supply to the organs. This happened due to skip blood. 

Causes of TGA 

According to medical professionals the actual causes of transposition of the great arteries are not known. However, like other congenital heart defects it might occur due to genetic variations or over exposure to toxins while a woman is pregnant. 

Although, here mentioned the possible causes of TGA occurrence. 

• Gestational Diabetes
• Rubella 
• Exposure to pesticides and herbicides
• Due to using certain medications   

Diagnosis of Transposition of Great Arteries 

To identify TGA condition a healthcare provider might perform following tests: 

• Echocardiogram 
• Electrocardiogram 
• Pulse oximetry screening ‘
• Cardiac Catheterization 
• CT scan 
• MRI 
• Chest X-ray 

Transposition of Great Arteries Treatment 

Those babies who are born with d-type transposition of great arteries require surgery treatment to survive their life. According to medical data many babies with d-TGA have surgery within the first week after birth. Experienced cardiologist performs an arterial switch procedure in which the surgeon positions the baby’s aorta and pulmonary artery in the correct place. Hence the surgeon restores a normal pathway for blood to flow properly through the heart and the other body organs. 

In other cases a child’s care team may include other treatments to delay major surgery on a temporary basis until the baby is fit for the procedure. These treatment involve:  

• Prostaglandin: Doctors can approach using this drug to open arteries. This medication can keep the ductus arteriosus open. This is a blood vessel often used before birth. However, it is stopped  after birth because the need is fulfilled. Through keeping it open allows oxygen-rich blood flow in a child’s body. 
• Septostomy: This is a minimally invasive procedure and involves mixing blood so it can store oxygen and deliver it to the baby’s body. In this procedure a balloon atrial uses a catheter to widen the natural opening of the arteries.