Arterial Switch Operation for Transposition of the Great Arteries

Abstract

Arterial switch (Jatene) procedure, which was developed in the late 1970s, is currently the method of choice for treatment of transposition of the great arteries (TGA). It reestablishes the left ventricle as a systemic pump, avoiding systemic ventricular failure associated with the atrial switch operation. This procedure is indicated for patients with TGA with an intact ventricular septum or with a small ventricular septal defect (VSD). Patients with large nonrestrictive VSDs, left ventricular outflow obstruction, or increased pulmonary vascular resistance may not be candidates for the arterial switch procedure.