Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Surgery

By maitri

PDA refers to an open vessel that allows blood to flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.  The ductus arteriosus is open during fetal life to divert blood away from the unused lungs.  Normally the ductus closes within the first day of life, but for unknown reasons it sometimes remains open.  This occurrence is more common in premature infants.  If the PDA is small, there may be no symptoms at all.  Symptoms of a large PDA are rapid breathing, fatigue, and slow weight gain.  After surgical correction, these symptoms will disappear.  The surgery involves a left thoracotomy incision.  The vessel is “ligated” and divided in half or clipped so that there will be no flow.  This is a curative operation; no other surgery is required.

WHEN IS PDA LIGATED?

Usually PDA is closed without surgery by device closure. There are only 3 scenarios where PDA is operated:

1.Premature babies with large PDA and developing heart failure

2. PDA with infective endocarditis

3. Large PDA in babies <5kg causing recurrent chest infections or poor weight gain

Author: Dr Bhasker Semitha

Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgeon

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