What is congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA)?
In a normal heart, the left-side pumping chamber (left ventricle) sends blood to the entire body, whereas the right-side ventricle pumps blood only a short distance, to the lungs. The left ventricle is built stronger than the right ventricle, because it has to work harder. In congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA), the heart twists abnormally during fetal development, and the ventricles are reversed: The stronger left ventricle pumps blood to the lungs and the weaker right ventricle has the harder chore of pumping blood to the entire body. This can cause problems, particularly for the right ventricle, which must work harder than it was meant to. For many patients, in the long run, the ability of the right ventricle to continue to function effectively will determine how well they are. There are several problems that co-exist in many patients with CCTGA and affect how well they do and what kind of treatment or surgical repair may be suitable. The most common a
