Following an arterial switch operation, an infant develops symptoms of myocardial ischemia.

Thearterial switch procedureinvolves reimplantation of thecoronary arteries. The most serious complication iskinking or malposition of the coronaries, leading tomyocardial ischemia, which can be fatal if not corrected promptly.

“Coronary artery compromise is the most critical postoperative complication following arterial switch, presenting with ischemia or infarction. Kinking or torsion during reimplantation is a known risk.”

(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Cardiovascular, Congenital Heart Surgery Complications)