PDA Surgery (Patent Ductus Arteriosus)

What is Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a heart condition that some babies are born with. Before birth, babies don’t use their lungs to breathe. So, nature creates a temporary blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. This vessel allows blood to skip the lungs while the baby is inside the womb. After birth, once the baby starts breathing, this vessel is supposed to close within the first few days of life. If it remains open, it is called Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

When Does PDA Happen?

• In premature babies
• In babies with low birth weight
• Slightly more in baby girls
• In babies whose mothers had certain infections during pregnancy
• Sometimes, without any clear reason
• Premature babies are more likely to have PDA because their body systems are still developing, and the vessel may not close on its own.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of PDA

Small PDA often have no symptoms and they may only be detected during a routine check-up when the doctor hears a “heart murmur.”

Large PDA may have the following symptoms –

• Fast breathing
• Difficulty feeding
• Sweating during feeding
• Poor weight gain
• Frequent chest infections
• Tiredness
• Irritability
• In infants, feeding may take longer because they get tired easily.

How is PDA Diagnosed?

• Physical Examination: A doctor listens to the heart using a stethoscope. PDA often causes a characteristic heart murmur.
• Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound): This is the main test.
• Chest X-ray: Shows if the heart is enlarged or if there is extra blood flow to the lungs.
• ECG (Electrocardiogram): Checks heart rhythm and strain.

 Treatment for PDA Surgery

Treatment depends on the baby’s age, symptoms, and the size of the PDA.

• Medicines:In premature babies, doctors may give medications such as ibuprofen or indomethacin. These medicines help the vessel close naturally. This option is usually effective in very small premature babies.
• Catheter-Based Closure (Non-Surgical Procedure):This is the most common treatment for older babies and children. How it works –

A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through a blood vessel in the leg. A small device is guided to the heart. The device blocks the open vessel.

• PDA Surgery:If the PDA is large or cannot be closed with a catheter, surgery may be needed.

PDA surgical repair, also called PDA ligation, is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves closing the open PDA with stitches or clips in order to prevent the surplus blood from entering your child’s lungs. A small cut is made on the side of the chest. The surgeon locates the open vessel. It is then tied or clipped to stop the abnormal blood flow. The incision is closed. The heart is not usually stopped during this surgery.

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons for PDA surgery are:

• Dr. Ashish Katewais experienced in pediatric cardiac surgeon at Amrita Hospital, he specializes in precision-guided PDA closures for infants and children.
• Dr. Shyamadeep Borgohain combines advanced surgical expertise with compassionate care to deliver seamless and successful PDA closures.
• Dr. Aseem Srivastava is renowned for his surgical excellence, Dr. Aseem Srivastava brings veteran experience to the effective repair of simple and complex PDA cases.
• Dr. K. S Iyer is a pioneering authority in congenital heart care, Dr. K. S. Iyer offers unmatched, decades-long expertise in managing and correcting PDA in even the tiniest patients.

Cost of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) ligation surgery