The Arterial Switch Operation (ASO) is a highly specialized open-heart surgery performed to correct a rare but serious congenital heart 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 reversed, causing oxygen-poor blood to circulate through the body and oxygen-rich blood to loop back to the lungs. Without timely correction, this defect can be life-threatening.
Arterial switch surgery re-establishes the normal connections of the heart’s major arteries, allowing proper oxygenation of the blood and ensuring healthy circulation. It is most commonly performed within the first few weeks of life for newborns diagnosed with TGA.
Post-surgery, newborns are cared for in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for close monitoring. Most children can lead active, healthy lives, though regular cardiac follow-ups are recommended to ensure the heart functions optimally.
With timely surgery and proper aftercare, the survival rate is very high, and most patients do not require further major heart operations in the future.
Chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute & Fortis Healthcare Medical Council
CONSULTS ATFortis Escort Hospital
EXPEREIENCE :Chairman of Fortis Escorts Heart Institute & Fortis Healthcare Medical Council
CONSULTS ATFortis Escort Hospital
Director & Head - CTVS Cardiac Sciences, Cardiac Surgery (CTVS)
CONSULTS ATMax Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad
EXPEREIENCE :Director & Head - CTVS Cardiac Sciences, Cardiac Surgery (CTVS)
CONSULTS ATMax Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad
Executive Director, Pediatric Infant Cardiac Surgeon
CONSULTS ATFortis Escort Hospital
EXPEREIENCE :Executive Director, Pediatric Infant Cardiac Surgeon
CONSULTS ATFortis Escort Hospital
Principal Director - Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery
CONSULTS ATMax Super Specialty Hospital, Saket
EXPEREIENCE :Principal Director - Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery
CONSULTS ATMax Super Specialty Hospital, Saket
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Arterial Switch Surgery, also called the Arterial Switch Operation (ASO), is a complex open-heart procedure used to correct Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA). In this surgery, the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched back to their correct positions, and the coronary arteries are reattached to ensure proper oxygen-rich blood flow throughout the body.
This surgery is typically performed within the first 2–3 weeks after birth for newborns diagnosed with TGA. Early intervention helps prevent complications and supports normal heart function and development.
When performed by experienced pediatric cardiac surgeons in advanced medical facilities, success rates are above 95%. Early diagnosis and timely surgery significantly improve the outcome.
The cost can vary depending on the country, hospital, surgeon’s expertise, and the newborn’s condition. Typically, it covers hospital stay, surgery, ICU care, investigations, and medications. A detailed cost estimate is provided after medical evaluation.
The best hospitals are those with:
Your case manager can recommend top-rated hospitals in multiple countries.
Yes, many families travel abroad for this surgery. International hospitals with pediatric cardiac expertise offer high-quality care, and most have dedicated international patient departments to assist with travel, accommodation, and local arrangements.
After surgery, newborns usually spend 2–3 weeks in the hospital, including time in the Pediatric ICU. Full recovery can take a few months, and regular follow-up visits are important for monitoring heart health.
In most cases, arterial switch surgery is a permanent corrective solution. However, lifelong cardiac follow-up is recommended to ensure the heart continues to function well.
Yes. Our team helps with medical opinions, hospital selection, travel arrangements, visa support, and post-surgery care coordination to ensure a smooth treatment journey.