Transposition of the great arteries in the neonate: failed balloon atrial septostomy

The authors discuss the early management of patients with transposition of the great arteries in the neonate. The success of early operative procedures in the neonatal period has limited the usefulness of the Rashkind balloon septostomy. The authors propose that both the Senning and arterial switch procedure may be better accomplished if the septostomy is not performed. The Senning operation appears to be the current method of choice and early operative intervention is highly successful.