Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Patent ductus arteriosus is the failure of the closure of the vessel that joins the aorta to the pulmonary artery (the artery that carries blood from the heart to the lungs) - the ductus arteriosus - in the foetus. This is an essential part of the foetal circulation, because there’s no point in sending blood round foetal lungs, which aren’t functioning. It usually closes shortly after birth. In children in whom it remains open - or patent - there may be no symptoms, but rarely it may cause heart failure. Since all children with PDA are at risk of endocarditis, they are offered surgical closure.
 
 
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