How to treat patent ductus arteriosus?
The arterial duct connects the main pulmonary artery to the descending aorta, serving as the primary channel for blood circulation during the fetal period. After birth, it generally becomes obstructed within a few months due to disuse; if it remains open after one year, it is referred to as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The length and diameter of an unclosed arterial duct vary, affecting hemodynamics differently, and consequently, prognoses differ. An unclosed arterial duct can easily induce infectious endocarditis; thus, even if the shunt is small, it is advisable to seek early interventional or surgical treatment. The surgery has a high safety success rate and can be performed at any age. However, surgery is contraindicated for patients who have developed secondary pulmonary artery obstruction and exhibit right-to-left shunting.