Corrected Transposition

My 3 mo. old baby has dextrocardia, corrected transposition, WPW/SVT, 2.8mm ASD, mild tricuspid valve regurgitation, situs totalis.  We do NOT have VSD nor PS.  The congenital heart defect was discovered when the baby was 1 month old.

What is the maximum AND optimum age to do double switch, without risking ventricular dysfunction?  Is this the only alternative? We heard that another medical group has recently come up with a new type of surgical intervention to address CCTGA -- what is that group and what is that surgery?  What about ventricular assist devices? Can they not take the place of double switch?

Despite the WPW, we are not on beta blocker. We are on Lanoxin bec the cardio wants to strengthen the leaky valve. He will prescribe beta blocker when the baby is older, or if her SVT incidences are coming more frequently. Currently, she has SVT approx once every 10 days. SVT can still be controlled through first aid (cold compress).   Can you comment on the choice of medication? The arrhythmia specialist wanted to prescribe beta blocker but the cardio disagreed.  Are we risking the health of our baby by not giving beta blocker?  We have been taking Lanoxin for about one month already.
Is it safe to prescribe both Lanoxin and beta blocker for a baby? Assuming proper dosage, at what age is it allowable to prescribe both lanoxin and beta blocker?
Finally, how high is the risk for double switch surgery, pacemaker implantation AND ablation for dextrocardia patients?
What is the optimum age to do these three procedures?
Can you refer us to foundations that can hel

[CCF-M.D.-KE]

Dear Lalaine,

I hope your new child is doing well. Unfortunately, I see adult patients with cardiovascular diseases and can not offer expert advice in this area. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with a "pediatric cardiologist" at a large university based medical center. If you are interested in the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, please visit our website at www.ccf.org or call 1-800-CCF-CARE to schedule an appointment. Dr. Larry Latson is an excellent pediatric cardiologist here at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation who would be happy to see you.  I hope your son improves.

Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE