Autopsy study on operative procedure and indication for transposition of the great arteries

The surgical correction of the transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is divided into three procedures by the methods of switching i.e., (1) intra-atrial, (2) intra-ventricular, and (3) via the great arteries. Arterial correction is considered as an ideal technique physiologically as well as anatomically. With the above in mind, twenty formalin-preserved hearts of TGA were used to carry out the following studies: (1) feasibility of coronary artery relocation, (2) feasibility of switching of the aorta and pulmonary trunk, (3) feasibility of the conduit procedure, and (4) effect of left ventricular hypoplasia. The Jatene operation in which coronary artery relocation was needed proved feasible in 20% of the cases. The Damus-Kaye-Stansel operation seemed feasible in 45% of the cases. Hypoplasia of the left ventricle was suspected in 3 of the cases that belonged to Group 1 according to Kidd's classification.