Truncus Arteriosus

In this defect, only one artery originates from the heart and forms both the aorta and the pulmonary artery. The truncus arises above a VSD that is almost always associated with this defect.

The truncus receives low oxygen blood from the right ventricle and oxygen rich blood from the left ventricle. This mix of high and low oxygen blood is sent out to the body and to the lungs.

Open heart surgery in infancy is needed to correct this defect. The surgery involves closure of the VSD and removal of the pulmonary arteries from the truncus. The pulmonary arteries are then connected to the right ventricle with a prosthetic tube. This prosthetic tube usually needs to be replaced as the infant grows.

Learn more about truncus arteriosus