Introduction

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a congenital heart condition where the ductus arteriosus—a blood vessel that connects the aorta and pulmonary artery in the fetus—fails to close after birth. This condition is particularly common in premature infants and can lead to symptoms like poor weight gain, difficulty breathing, and heart murmurs. If left untreated, PDA can result in long-term complications such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or endocarditis.

Fortunately, advancements in pediatric cardiology have introduced minimally invasive solutions like Patent Ductus Arteriosus Device Closure Catheterization, a safe and highly effective procedure that eliminates the need for open-heart surgery.

In this technique, a small closure device is delivered via a catheter inserted through a vein or artery. The device blocks the abnormal blood flow through the ductus arteriosus, allowing the heart and lungs to function normally. This method is known as Transcatheter Closure of PDA and is widely recognized for its high success rates and quick recovery times in infants and children.

Types of PDA closure devices such as coils and occluders are chosen based on the size and shape of the PDA, ensuring a personalized approach for each patient.

This procedure has significantly improved outcomes in children with congenital heart defects. Parents can now look forward to a healthier future for their child—with minimal hospital stay and a faster return to normal activities—making life after PDA closure much more reassuring.

More Information about PDA Device Closure

Patent Ductus Arteriosus Device Closure Catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure designed to correct a PDA without open-heart surgery. It is the preferred treatment in infants, children, and even adults when the PDA remains open and causes symptoms or risks long-term complications.

How Transcatheter Closure of PDA Works
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a large blood vessel—usually through the groin. This catheter is guided to the heart and into the PDA. A closure device is then delivered through the catheter and deployed at the PDA site to block the abnormal blood flow. The device stays in place permanently, allowing the vessel to close naturally over time.

Types of PDA Closure Devices
There are two main types of devices used:

Coils – Used for smaller PDAs, especially in older children and adults. They cause the PDA to clot and seal off.

Occluder Devices – Used for moderate to large PDAs. These umbrella-like devices expand within the vessel to close the opening effectively.

The choice between these types of PDA closure devices depends on the size and shape of the ductus arteriosus, as well as the patient’s age and overall health.

Who is Eligible?
Full-term or preterm infants with symptomatic PDA

Children with heart murmurs, failure to thrive, or recurrent respiratory infections

Adults with untreated PDA causing heart strain or pulmonary hypertension

What to Expect After the Procedure
The recovery period is usually short. Most patients are discharged within 1–3 days. Children can resume normal activities within a week, and parents often report a noticeable improvement in breathing, energy levels, and feeding. This makes life after PDA closure significantly better—both physically and emotionally—for the child and family.

Regular follow-ups are recommended to monitor heart health, but long-term complications are rare when the procedure is performed successfully.