Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Patent ductus arteriosus is also known as a PDA. The ductus arteriosus is a very small blood vessel that all people have before birth. Patent means open. If you have a PDA, this blood vessel stays open longer than it should. While inside the womb, the lungs are filled with fluid. The baby gets the oxygen from its mother. Blood flows through the PDA instead of going to the lungs. This blood vessel should close within a few minutes or days after a baby is born. Then, the blood will flow on its normal path to and from the lungs to get oxygen. If this blood vessel does not close, blood does not flow the right way as it leaves the heart. This may lead to serious problems.
Name
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
About this topic
Patent ductus arteriosus is also known as a PDA. The ductus arteriosus is a very small blood vessel that all people have before birth. Patent means open. If you have a PDA, this blood vessel stays open longer than it should. While inside the womb, the lungs are filled with fluid. The baby gets the oxygen from its mother. Blood flows through the PDA instead of going to the lungs. This blood vessel should close within a few minutes or days after a baby is born. Then, the blood will flow on its normal path to and from the lungs to get oxygen. If this blood vessel does not close, blood does not flow the right way as it leaves the heart. This may lead to serious problems.
What drugs may be needed?
Close the PDA,Keep the PDA open,Help with pain and swelling,Prevent or fight an infection
Body systems
Cardiovascular,Neonatal,Pediatric
What are other common names?
Aorticopulmonary Communication,Aorticopulmonary Shunt,Coil Occlusion,Congenital Heart Defect,PDA
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.