What are atrial switch operations? Cardiology Basics

What are atrial switch operations? Cardiology Basics
Atrial switch operations were the initial operations developed for the treatment of transposition of great arteries. In transposition of great arteries, the aorta arises from the right ventricle and pulmonary artery from the left ventricle. Normally aorta originates from the left ventricle and pulmonary artery arises from the right ventricle.
Schematic diagram of transposition of great arteries
In transposition of great arteries, systemic venous return is pumped back into the body without being sent to the lungs for oxygenation. Blood returning from the lungs is pumped back into the lungs.
So, survival is impossible unless there is good mixing by a congenital defect which permits mixing of pulmonary and systemic venous returns. Best form of mixing can occur if there is an atrial septal defect.
In those with poor mixing, an opening is created in the atrial septum in neonatal period by a procedure known as balloon atrial septostomy to improve systemic oxygen saturation and thereby survival. Balloon atrial septostomy catheter is introduced through the umbilical vein if it is done early after birth. Procedure can be done under fluoroscopy or echocardiography guidance and is an emergency palliative procedure. Corrective surgery is done later when the physical condition of the baby permits.
In the ideal surgery for transposition of great arteries, known as arterial switch operation, the abnormally positioned aorta and pulmonary a...

Source: Cardiophile MD - October 27, 2022 Category: Cardiology Authors: Johnson Francis Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs