Transposition of the Great Arteries

What is TGA 1.Congenital heart defect 2.Large blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs are improperly connected or swapped.

Physiology of blood flow to the heart and lungs. 1. Deoxygenated blood flows to the right atrium. 2. Then to the right ventricle. 3. Then its pumped to the pulmonary artery in to the lungs where it receives O2. 4. Then rich oxygen blood returns to the left atrium. 5. Then passes to the left ventricle then its pumped into the aorta out to the body.

TGA TGA physiology. In TGA the aorta is connected to the right ventricle The left ventricle is opposite of the normal heart’s anatomy. Note: other heart defects are often associated with TGA such as ASD and VSD and that they may actually be necessary for an infant with TGA to live

causes of TGA Genetic link By chance No clear reason

Risk factors causing TGA Rubella Poor nutrition Alcohol Uncontrolled diabeties Down syndrome

Symptoms of TGA Cyanosis Rapid breathing Labored breathing Rapid heart rate Cool, clamy skin

Diagnosing TGA Diagnosed by a cardiologist or neonatologist Chest X-ray ECG Cardiac catherization

Treatment of TGA Cardiac catheterization- uses a balloon tip to create an opening in the atrial septum, enlarging the whole allowing blood to mix. Prostaglandin E1 is given to keep the ductus arteriosus from closing

Care after surgery Ventilator IV catheters Arterial line Nasogastric tube Chest tube EKG High calorie formula and breast milk

Care at home with TGA Pain medications such as: acetaminophen or ibuprofen

long term outlook after surgery Irregular heart rhythms Leaky heart valves Narrowing of the great arteries