Transposition of the great arteries

Overview

Transposition of the great arteries is a rare heart defect in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed (transposed). This condition exists at birth (congenital heart disease).

Transposition of the great arteries changes the way blood circulates through the body, leaving a shortage of oxygen in blood flowing from the heart to the rest of the body. Without an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood, the body can't function properly.

Transposition of the great arteries is usually detected within the first hours of life.

Corrective surgery soon after birth is the usual treatment for transposition of the great arteries. Having a baby with transposition of the great arteries is naturally frightening to you as a parent, but with proper treatment, the outlook is promising.

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.