How is transposition of the great arteries treated?
Initially, a drug called prostaglandin will be given to keep the ductus arteriosus open to improve circulation. Another temporary procedure that can help mixing of the blood is a balloon atrial septostomy, which puts a hole or opening between the left and right atria. This is a temporary measure until the child is old enough for surgery to establish normal blood circulation. Surgery, in this case, an arterial switch procedure, within the first few weeks of life is needed to correct the blood flow. This open heart procedure involves “switching” the pulmonary artery and the aorta back to their normal positions and attaching the coronary arteries to the new aorta in the correct positions.
