PDA Ligation Surgery
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect found in the days or weeks following birth. When a baby is born the ductus arteriosus is a natural part of fetal blood circulation. It’s an extra blood vessel that binds 2 arteries: the aorta and the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery transports blood from the heart into the lungs. The aorta brings blood into the body from the heart. Before birth, the ductus arteriosus lets blood go around (bypass) the lungs. This is because the baby gets oxygen from the mother.
Surgery can close PDAs. Surgical closure is also recommended for babies less than 6 months of age with large defects and symptoms such as low weight gain and rapid respiration. For babies with no signs, any operation may be postponed until 6 to 12 months after birth. The cardiologist will tell your child when to do the operation. It’s done under general anesthesia so that you kids are aslee. Surgery closes the PDA with stitches or clips. This stops the extra blood from getting into the lungs. Premature babies must have this surgery.
