Arterial Switch Surgery
The arterial switch procedure is performed to correct transposition of the great arteries.
The treatment for an arterial transfer includes cardiopulmonary bypass and clamping of aortic crosses. The ascending aorta and principal pulmonary artery are transected after aortic cross clamping. The ostia of the left and right coronary arteries are visualized and excised as “buttons” from the aortic root with adjacent aortic wall. The coronary artery buttons are then posteriorly moved and inserted into the central pulmonary artery root’s facing sinuses. The distal pulmonary artery and its branches are then pushed forward, and the distal aorta is subsequently relocated. The distal aorta is anastomised to the aortic “new” heart.
Reconstruction of the pulmonary artery is undertaken next. Closure of the atrial septal defect completes the arterial switch repair. Delayed sternal closure is sometimes required following surger
