The Arterial Switch Operation (ASO) is a vital surgical procedure used to correct a congenital heart defect known as dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA). In D-TGA, the aorta and the pulmonary artery are reversed, causing oxygen-poor blood to circulate to the body instead of the lungs and oxygen-rich blood to return to the lungs instead of the body. This misrouting of blood can be life-threatening if not addressed.
Procedure
The ASO is a complex surgery where the surgeon repositions the aorta and pulmonary artery to their correct locations. This realignment ensures that oxygen-rich blood from the lungs is directed through the aorta to the body, while oxygen-poor blood is sent from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. Additionally, the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart are reattached to the newly positioned aorta.
Timing and Benefits
Typically performed within the first few weeks after birth, the ASO is crucial for enabling a normal functioning heart. The procedure has a high success rate and effectively corrects the blood flow issues associated with D-TGA, allowing children to live healthy, active lives with minimal limitations.
Symptoms
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