Can a patent ductus arteriosus be treated with minimally invasive surgery?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Patent ductus arteriosus refers to the condition in infants where the ductal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aortic arch from the embryonic period remains open after the first year of birth. Generally, this duct is tubular or funnel-shaped and most cases can be treated minimally invasively. Surgical treatment is considered only if there are severe adhesions involving the aorta or pulmonary artery, or there are developmental issues. Therefore, patent ductus arteriosus can be treated with minimally invasive surgery, and most cases are amenable to such treatment.

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Written by Tang Li
Cardiology
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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.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is surgery necessary for an unclosed arterial duct?

Patent ductus arteriosus is a type of congenital heart disease. Currently, surgical treatment is recommended for patients because it involves minimally invasive techniques. Additionally, post-surgery recovery is quick, and there are fewer complications. Particularly for this disease, medication is often not very effective and does not achieve the therapeutic goal. Surgical treatment can completely resolve the patient's issues, thereby reducing the frequency of recurrence and not affecting the child's growth and development. In the meantime, it is still vital to actively prevent respiratory infections.

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Written by Fan Yan Fu
Cardiology
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Does patent ductus arteriosus require open chest surgery?

Now, many cases of patent ductus arteriosus do not require open-chest surgery, as they can be treated minimally invasively by cardiologists through what is called interventional treatment. The ductus arteriosus is actually a vessel between the aorta and the pulmonary artery during the embryonic stage, which usually closes shortly after birth. If it does not close, it results in a congenital heart disease. In the past, before the widespread use of interventional treatments, open-chest surgery was required to ligate the vessel. With the broad implementation of interventional treatments, cardiologists can now treat this condition minimally invasively. This is mainly done by delivering a spring coil through a catheter to the ductus arteriosus which then blocks the vessel, allowing it to gradually close and thus achieve the therapeutic goal. Alternatively, a gelatin sponge can be delivered to the ductus arteriosus through a catheter to block and eventually close the vessel, achieving the desired treatment outcome.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Can you get pregnant with patent ductus arteriosus?

Patent ductus arteriosus refers to a congenital channel between the aorta and the pulmonary artery that fails to close. This can lead to a mixing of blood between the veins and arteries, thus deteriorating heart function. Generally, individuals with this condition can become pregnant after treatment. Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect that does not have hereditary properties and does not prevent one from having children. However, it is advised for individuals with this condition to undergo surgical treatment before attempting to conceive and bear children. If the ductus arteriosus remains untreated, the increased heart load during late pregnancy can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and respiratory distress. It is recommended that these individuals undergo minimally invasive surgical treatment or conventional surgical treatment before planning for pregnancy, as this will be more appropriate.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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What will happen if patent ductus arteriosus is not treated with surgery?

Patients with patent ductus arteriosus are characterized by a congenital connection between the pulmonary artery and the aortic arch. This is a remnant passageway that was used during embryonic development to supply blood within the umbilical vessels, ensuring the development of the infant. Normally, this ductus arteriosus may close on its own within a few months. If it does not close after one year from birth, it is considered a patent ductus arteriosus. This condition can lead to increased workload on the heart. Because it allows blood pumped into the aorta to return to the right ventricle, over time, this can increase the burden on the left ventricle as well as the right ventricle. This may lead to heart failure and, in severe cases, trigger Eisenmenger's syndrome. If this condition reaches such a state, the patient loses the opportunity for surgery, resulting in a shortened lifespan.