Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Everyone is born with a ductus arteriosus. This is an open passageway between the two major blood vessels (the pulmonary artery and the aorta). Normally, the passageway between these two arteries closes within a few hours after birth. If it doesn't, some blood that should have gone through the aorta and on to nourish the body goes back to the lungs. If the ductus arteriosus is large, a child may tire quickly, grow slowly, catch pneumonia easily and breathe rapidly. If the ductus arteriosus is small, the child seems well. If surgery is needed, the surgeon doesn't have to open the heart to correct this abnormal circulation. The ductus arteriosus can be closed by tying it. If there is no other defect, this restores the circulation to normal.