Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

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Before birth the ductus arteriosus is a normal blood vessel between the aorta and pulmonary artery that is necessary for normal fetal circulation. Normally it  closes  shortly after birth when the infant begins breathing on its own.  When the ductus does not close it is called a “Patent” Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). The PDA causes blood from the aorta to mix with blood in the pulmonary artery, causing too much blood flow to the lungs and eventually damage to the lungs. The left ventricle may enlarge as it has to work harder.

Surgical correction:  PDA closure is done only when closure has failed in newborns with medicine (Indomethacin) or coil occlusion in the catheterization laboratory has failed in older children.  Surgery involves ligation of the patent ductus arteriosus through a small incision in the left chest wall.  Small premature babies have a titanium clip applied to close the PDA.