Hearing that your baby needs heart surgery can feel overwhelming. But with medical advancements today, the arterial switch operation is a safe and highly successful treatment for certain congenital heart defects in newborns.
At BM Birla Heart Hospital, Kolkata, our experienced paediatric cardiac team performs advanced arterial switch surgery with a strong focus on safety, precision, and compassionate care.
The arterial switch operation is a life-saving heart surgery performed to correct a birth defect called Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA).
In this condition, the two main arteries leaving the heart — the aorta and the pulmonary artery — are connected to the wrong chambers. Because of this, oxygen-poor blood circulates in the body, and oxygen-rich blood goes back to the lungs. This can be dangerous for a newborn baby.
The arterial switch operation procedure corrects this problem by reconnecting the arteries to their proper positions so blood flows normally. Surgeons also carefully reattach the coronary arteries to ensure the heart muscle receives enough oxygen.
This surgery is usually performed within the first few weeks of life for the best results.
Doctors recommend arterial switch surgery when:
The main arterial switch operation indication is TGA, especially when detected early through foetal scans or after birth due to symptoms like bluish skin (cyanosis), breathing difficulty, or poor feeding. Early treatment significantly improves outcomes and long-term health.
The arterial switch operation technique is a highly specialised open-heart procedure performed under general anaesthesia.
Here’s how it is done:
The entire arterial switch operation procedure usually takes several hours. After surgery, the baby is moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring.
The arterial switch operation's postoperative care is very important for smooth recovery.
After surgery:
Most babies recover within a few weeks. Long-term follow-up with a paediatric cardiologist ensures healthy heart development.
Our hospital is equipped with highly experienced paediatric cardiac surgeons who have years of expertise in performing complex arterial switch operations. Their skill and precision ensure safe surgical outcomes for newborns and infants.
We have modern, fully equipped cardiac operation theatres with advanced technology to support safe and accurate heart surgeries. This allows our team to perform delicate procedures with greater confidence and efficiency.
After surgery, babies require close monitoring and specialised care. Our dedicated neonatal and paediatric ICUs provide round-the-clock supervision, ensuring your child receives immediate medical attention whenever needed.
From detailed diagnosis before surgery to structured follow-up care after discharge, we provide complete support at every stage. Our team guides parents on medications, recovery steps, and long-term heart care.
Successful outcomes require teamwork. Our cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, anaesthetists, and critical care specialists work together to provide coordinated and personalised treatment for every child.
We understand that heart surgery can be stressful for parents. Our team offers clear communication, emotional support, and guidance throughout the treatment journey, so families feel informed and reassured.
If your child has been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and requires an arterial switch operation in Kolkata, early consultation can improve outcomes. Our team is here to guide you at every step — from diagnosis to recovery.
It is needed to correct Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a birth defect where the main heart arteries are reversed, affecting normal blood circulation.
The surgery usually takes about 4 to 6 hours, depending on the baby’s heart condition and complexity of the case.
Yes, most children grow up to live healthy and active lives with regular follow-up care.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, irregular heartbeat, or artery-related complications, though serious problems are uncommon in experienced centres.
Initial hospital recovery typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, while full recovery and strength improvement may take a few weeks to months.
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