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Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart defect that occurs when the ductus arteriosus, a vital fetal blood vessel, remains open after birth. Normally, this vessel closes within a few days of life, redirecting blood flow through the lungs for oxygenation. When it fails to close, blood flows abnormally between the aorta and pulmonary artery, leading to increased workload on the heart and lungs.

The severity of PDA depends on the size of the opening. Small PDAs may cause no noticeable symptoms, while larger ones can result in rapid breathing, poor feeding, fatigue, and growth delays in infants. Over time, untreated PDA can lead to complications such as pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, or increased risk of infections like endocarditis.

Treatment options vary depending on age and severity. In premature infants, medications may help close the ductus arteriosus. In older infants and children, minimally invasive catheter-based procedures or surgery are often required to seal the vessel. Advances in pediatric cardiology have made outcomes highly successful, allowing most children with PDA to live healthy lives after treatment.
Early diagnosis and timely management are crucial, ensuring that this once life-threatening condition can be effectively controlled and corrected.