Patent
Ductus Arteriosus
 A PDA, or
patent ductus arteriosus, is a persistent connection between the aorta and the pulmonary
artery. It is 'persistent' in that a PDA is a normal connection in utero, or when the baby
was still in the uterus. In utero, the baby depends on the PDA to get oxygen from the
mother, since the lungs are not working (baby can't breathe in utero). When the baby is
born, there are hormonal changes in the baby that normally close off the PDA, since the
baby is now breathing, and no longer needs the PDA.
A PDA is when this ductus doesn't close as it normally should. Persistence of the PDA
may cause an excessive amount of blood to go to the lungs. Depending on the size of the
PDA and the condition on the lung, the baby may have no symptoms, or be in severe heart
failure. Heart failure in a baby is most typically manifested by poor eating habits and
poor weight gain. However, almost all PDA should be closed, even if they are very small,
because there is a real risk of endocarditis, or a heart infection, over the course of a
lifetime.
PDA's are now often closed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, by the insertion
of specially designed coils. These coils sit in the PDA, and expand to the point where
they occlude all the blood flow. The traditional way of closing a ductus is through an
operation and closure under direct vision, although this method is now typically reserved
for premature neonates and if an interventional cardiac catheterization laboratory is not
readily available.
Closure of a PDA by either interventional cardiac catheterization or surgery is safe
and carries negligible morbidity and mortality.
Learn more about PDA's |
