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Pulmonary Atresia is a significant but rare congenital cardiac abnormality apparent at birth in which the pulmonary valve is either absent or not formed properly. This valve is typically used to move blood from the right ventricle to the lungs to get oxygenated. In pulmonary atresia, there is a clogged valve, and blood cannot reach the lungs normally, which means less oxygen is in the body, causing cyanosis—a bluish colour of the skin and lips.

The actual cause of pulmonary atresia is not usually known, but it is formed during the development of the foetal heart. Symptoms usually develop soon after delivery and may include fast breathing, tiredness, poor feeding and low oxygen saturation. Diagnosis is usually by echocardiography, pulse oximetry, chest X-ray and cardiac catheterisation.

Treatment frequently necessitates immediate medical intervention, such as drugs to maintain the ductus arteriosus open, which allows for temporary blood flow to the lungs. Surgery or catheter-based therapies are frequently needed to restore adequate circulation, and some children may require numerous surgeries as they develop. With early diagnosis and advanced treatment, many children with pulmonary atresia can achieve improved long-term health outcomes.