• Print
  • Share
close

Share this on...

Share this site with others using one of these sharing tools.

 

Link to this article

To link to this article, paste this block of HTML code onto your webpage.

Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.org

Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries

Overview

Illustration of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries

Enlarge

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries is a complex, unusual abnormality in which the pumping chambers (ventricles) and attached valves (mitral and tricuspid valves) are switched. This condition exists at birth (congenital heart disease), but could remain unrecognized until adulthood.

In congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, the aorta and pulmonary artery connect from the wrong lower heart chambers (ventricles), so the blood flows to the body from the wrong ventricles. The blood flows in the correct direction. Oxygen-poor blood from the body goes into the lungs to pick up oxygen and oxygen-rich blood from the lungs goes out to nourish the body.

Most babies born with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries also have other congenital heart defects which need treatment, including:

  • A hole in the wall between the two lower heart chambers (ventricular septal defect)
  • Narrowed or blocked pulmonary valve (pulmonary stenosis)
  • Blood leaking backwards in the tricuspid valve (tricuspid valve regurgitation)
  • Abnormally slow heart rhythm (complete heart block)

Why choose Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic doctors have treated hundreds of people who had transposition of the great arteries. Doctors with training in heart disease (cardiologists), heart surgeons and other specialists work closely to care for people with congenital heart disease. Mayo Clinic doctors also develop new treatments for congenital heart disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for heart and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for heart and heart surgery.

Read more about congenital heart disease in children and congenital heart disease in adults at www.MayoClinic.com.

Related book: Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life! book provides an easy-to-follow plan to prevent and conquer heart disease.

Request Appointment
  • Arizona
  • Florida
  • Minnesota
  • Print

Find Mayo Clinic on


Terms of Use and Information Applicable to this Site
Copyright ©2001-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved.

.