Anatomic correction of complete transposition with ventricular septal defect in neonates: experience with 42 consecutive cases

Abstract

Perhaps paradoxically, it was in the form of complete transposition with a ventricular septal defect rather than an intact ventricular septum that the arterial switch operation was first successfully applied. This was, in part, because of the poor results of the physiologic repair in the presence of a ventricular septal defect, but more because the left ventricle, in the presence of the septal deficiency, is immediately suitable for supporting postoperatively the increased workload imposed on the systemic circulation. Spurred by this success, the procedure was then extended to neonates born with complete transposition and an intact ventricular septum and is currently employed with good results in this group.