Triumph Over Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) | The Medical City

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Triumph Over Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)

By The Medical City (TMC), Ortigas | October 18, 2023

Kaiya Leigh Chargualaf, an 11-month-old from Guam, was diagnosed with Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA), a rare heart defect that usually requires surgery within two weeks of birth. Diagnosed at six months, Kaiya faced added complications but underwent two complex surgeries at The Medical City, Philippines, in May and September 2023.

In the world of medical marvels, some stories resonate as extraordinary tales of courage, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of survival. 

Kaiya’s journey is one that is marked by her battle against the rare and challenging condition of transposition of the great arteries (TGA). It not only serves as a beacon of hope but inspiration.

Guided by a team of exceptional physicians at The Medical City Ortigas, the indomitable spirit of the young Kaiya, coupled with the expertise of skilled medical professionals, led her through two remarkable open-heart surgeries.

11-month-old Kaiya Leigh Chargualaf, a Guamenian citizen, is diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries, a congenital heart defect where the pulmonary artery and the aorta, the main arteries leaving the heart, are switched. This condition necessitates complex medical intervention.

Kaiya’s journey commenced when she was referred by The Medical City Referral Office in Guam to the cardiac specialists at The Medical City Ortigas, facilitated by the Guam Referral Office and International Patient Concierge in May 2023.

TGA is one of the most difficult congenital heart diseases to surgically correct in the local setting, with survival rates ranging from 50% to 70%, even in the most experienced cardiac centers. This is with the assumption that the newborn infant is diagnosed promptly and is stable and thriving at the time surgery is intended.

The age of surgery is a factor that affects the overall prognosis, too. The golden period for the arterial switch operation (ASO) for these infants is usually five to 14 days of age. Operations performed beyond 14 days old typically have a more difficult post-operative recovery course. Many of them fail to survive. First-world cardiac centers with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and unlimited funding can care for the sickest of these patients, with survival reaching higher than 95%. However, in developing countries, these extra resources are not readily available or are beyond the financial capabilities of the child’s relatives.

Under the management of a multidisciplinary team of surgeons led by Dr. Dexter Cheng (Pediatric Cardiologist), Dr. Cynthia Aguirre (Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist), Dr. Cathleen Recana-Lu (Pediatric Cardiologist), Dr. Louisa Go (Pediatric Cardiologist), Dr. Neva Luna Batayola (Pediatric Critical Care Specialist), Dr. Rachelle Vicencio (Pediatric Critical Care Specialist), Dr. Florentina Ty (Pediatric Critical Care Specialist), Dr. Abelardo Alan Prodigalidad (Anesthesiologist), and Dr. Carlo Martin Garcia (Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery), Kaiya underwent her first open-heart surgery on May 23, 2023.

Kaiya is different from the other children with TGA because she was not diagnosed with congenital heart disease until she was about six months old. The challenge for Kaiya was preparing her for the ASO procedure at her age.

The recommended pathway for left ventricle (LV) retraining with the performance of pulmonary artery (PA) banding and modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (BTS) was performed. While not a new procedure, it was a difficult one to perform. Furthermore, the survivability after this stage is questionable, often accompanied by unpredictable responses. Despite all these unknowns, Kaiya survived the first surgery. Her left ventricle (LV) became stronger.

This transformative procedure marked the beginning of her path to healing. The surgery, led by a team of dedicated doctors characterized by precision and passion, laid the foundation for her subsequent operation on September 12, 2023. The ASO surgery stands as a testament to the commitment of her medical team. The collaboration between medical experts, coupled with Kaiya’s perseverance, resulted in a successful procedure that surpassed all expectations.

Throughout her journey, Kaiya displayed exceptional bravery and determination. Her family, along with the medical professionals, witnessed her courage in the face of adversity. The love and support from her caregivers and the compassion of her medical team provided the nurturing environment essential to her recovery.

Today, Kaiya is a living testament to the power of skilled medical intervention. Her story serves as a reminder of the immense possibilities that emerge when medical expertise meets the strength of the human spirit. “In the intricate dance between science and the human heart, we choreograph miracles,” says Dr. Cheng. “Spearheading Kaiya’s journey through the rare challenge of transposition of the great arteries is a symphony of hope, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of healing.”

The celebration of Kaiya’s triumph over the transposition of the great arteries is also a reminder of the incredible impact of dedicated healthcare professionals and the courage of patients.

Kaiya’s journey inspires hope, ignites determination, and reaffirms the belief in the remarkable possibilities that lie within the realm of modern medicine. Kaiya’s brave heart continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path for others facing similar challenges, and proving that with skilled hands and a courageous spirit, even the most daunting medical conditions can be overcome.

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