The ductus arteriosus refers to a channel in the fetus that, before birth, allows blood from the maternal placenta to enter the fetus's aorta through the ductus arteriosus and then circulates the blood throughout the body. This channel closes after birth, and in the vast majority of people, it closes within a year. If it remains open until reproductive age, surgery is required because an open ductus arteriosus can lead to deteriorating heart function and, in severe cases, can cause heart failure. Therefore, women with an open ductus arteriosus can have children after treatment. An open ductus arteriosus is not a hereditary disease, and regardless of whether it is present in males or females, it is not genetic and they can have children.