Explain what is Patent Ductus Arteriosus in details?

Figure : Anatomical location of PDA

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) may be an isolated defect or may co-exist with other congenital anomalies. The ductus may be large, moderate or small in 'size.

Indications for Surgery :  Presence of a ductus arteriosus is an indication for surgery. The timing of operation is usually the first year of life. In pre-term babies, PDA closure will be required in the first few days after birth. When ductus is large and heart failure is a problem surgery should be undertaken at any time. When a large ductus has produced severe pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular disease contra indication for operation is the same as in a large VSD. Operability can be decided on cardiac catheterization by balloon occlusion of the ductus. When the ductus is occluded left to right shunt is abolished and pulmonary artery pressure should fall and aortic pressure should go up. If it does not happen, closing the ductus is not going to be beneficial.