A PDA is a communication between the arteries supplying the lungs and the main artery
( aorta ) of our body which usually closes between 48-72 hrs after birth. It can lead to
enlargement of the left side of heart and increase in pressure of the blood vessels of
lungs among others.
Who requires an PDA closure ?
If the communication is very small, and is not clinically audible ,it will not cause any
problems or need treatment. But if the PDA is large or clinically significant , it can cause
symptoms and complications, like
- Shortness of breath
- Recurrent lung infections
- Faliure to gain weight
- Enlargement of right side of heart
- Heart failure.
- High pressure in blood vessels of your lungs (pulmonary artery hypertension).
How is a PDA closed ?
PDA can be closed medically in majority of cases if required in newborn ( especially premature babies ). Otherwise PDA can be closed with catheter based interventions ( non surgically ) with devices in almost all the cases. Few cases with very large PDAs require surgical PDA ligation.