Can patent ductus arteriosus be treated with medication?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on March 30, 2025
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The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta in the fetal heart, primarily used during the embryonic stage to supply blood from the mother to the heart, thus providing sufficient oxygenated blood for fetal development and growth. Generally, the ductus arteriosus should close automatically within three months after birth. If it remains open for over a year, it may indicate a congenital heart defect known as patent ductus arteriosus. Previously, high doses of aspirin were used to treat this condition, but this treatment was not very effective. Patients with patent ductus arteriosus should instead consider minimally invasive interventional treatments to seal the duct, or surgical ligation can be performed. However, surgical ligation may cause significant trauma or scarring to the patient. The majority of cases with patent ductus arteriosus can be treated using minimally invasive methods.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
1min 11sec home-news-image

Can a patent ductus arteriosus cause cyanosis of the lips?

Patent ductus arteriosus generally refers to a condition in infants where the tubular passage between the aorta and pulmonary artery fails to fully close within the first year after birth. This results in altered blood flow within the heart, leading to the occurrence of patent ductus arteriosus. This blood flow disorder can increase the burden on the heart, causing recurrent episodes of breathlessness and breathing difficulties, and in severe cases, can lead to serious heart failure. If left untreated until the late stages, right-to-left shunting may occur, causing a serious mixing of arterial and venous blood. This leads to venous blood being ejected directly outside the body, causing a bluish-purple discoloration in the patient. Such conditions indicate a particularly severe heart disease. However, the majority of cases of patent ductus arteriosus can be addressed through minimally invasive interventional treatments. It is a simple congenital heart disease that should be treated promptly.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Will patent ductus arteriosus increase with age?

Patent ductus arteriosus is a type of congenital heart disease, primarily treated through surgery. Early surgical intervention can completely cure this disease. However, as age increases, the symptoms of this disease can become more severe. Based on the patient's condition, it is recommended to undergo early surgical treatment at a hospital to alleviate the patient's suffering. As age increases, various organic diseases may emerge, which can sometimes affect a child's growth and development. During this period, it is advised that the patient regularly revisits the hospital for echocardiography checks and to also be cautious in preventing upper respiratory infections.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Is an 8mm patent ductus arteriosus severe?

Since patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart disease, it is recommended that patients have regular echocardiographic re-examinations. For the majority, this condition can close on its own. However, if it does not close, surgical treatment is necessary. Currently, the patient's patent ductus arteriosus has reached about 8 millimeters, which is quite severe. It is advised to seek early surgical treatment at a hospital to alleviate the symptoms. Presently, there are no medications available to treat this disease, and surgical treatment is the primary approach. Early surgical intervention at a hospital is advisable.

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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 Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Does patent ductus arteriosus cause easy sweating?

The arterial duct is prone to sweating. During this period, it is best to advise patients to monitor changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse. Sometimes there may be incidences of rapid heart rate, as this is a type of congenital heart disease. If a patient is prone to respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, this condition can lead to a decrease in resistance. For such patients with weak constitution, they are more likely to sweat. In terms of treatment, early surgical intervention is advised to alleviate the sweating, and preparations should be made early on.