Can patent ductus arteriosus be treated with medication?

Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
Updated on March 30, 2025
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The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta in the fetal heart, primarily used during the embryonic stage to supply blood from the mother to the heart, thus providing sufficient oxygenated blood for fetal development and growth. Generally, the ductus arteriosus should close automatically within three months after birth. If it remains open for over a year, it may indicate a congenital heart defect known as patent ductus arteriosus. Previously, high doses of aspirin were used to treat this condition, but this treatment was not very effective. Patients with patent ductus arteriosus should instead consider minimally invasive interventional treatments to seal the duct, or surgical ligation can be performed. However, surgical ligation may cause significant trauma or scarring to the patient. The majority of cases with patent ductus arteriosus can be treated using minimally invasive methods.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Can a patent ductus arteriosus be treated with minimally invasive surgery?

Patent ductus arteriosus refers to the condition in infants where the ductal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aortic arch from the embryonic period remains open after the first year of birth. Generally, this duct is tubular or funnel-shaped and most cases can be treated minimally invasively. Surgical treatment is considered only if there are severe adhesions involving the aorta or pulmonary artery, or there are developmental issues. Therefore, patent ductus arteriosus can be treated with minimally invasive surgery, and most cases are amenable to such treatment.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Which is more serious, patent ductus arteriosus or ventricular septal defect?

Both of these diseases are types of congenital heart disease, and if there are issues with either of them, the situation can be quite severe. There isn't a distinction between which disease is severe and which is not. If the arterial duct remains open or does not close, surgery is still required for this condition. Patients with ventricular septal defect primarily display changes related to ischemia and hypoxia, and they may also experience recurrent respiratory infections, which are quite serious. Surgery is generally the best treatment. Early surgical intervention can achieve a complete cure, but it is also advisable for the patient to have regular echocardiographic check-ups at the hospital.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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What will happen if patent ductus arteriosus is not treated with surgery?

Patients with patent ductus arteriosus are characterized by a congenital connection between the pulmonary artery and the aortic arch. This is a remnant passageway that was used during embryonic development to supply blood within the umbilical vessels, ensuring the development of the infant. Normally, this ductus arteriosus may close on its own within a few months. If it does not close after one year from birth, it is considered a patent ductus arteriosus. This condition can lead to increased workload on the heart. Because it allows blood pumped into the aorta to return to the right ventricle, over time, this can increase the burden on the left ventricle as well as the right ventricle. This may lead to heart failure and, in severe cases, trigger Eisenmenger's syndrome. If this condition reaches such a state, the patient loses the opportunity for surgery, resulting in a shortened lifespan.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
Cardiology
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Will patent ductus arteriosus show signs of peripheral vascular disease?

Peripheral vascular signs refer to a medical sign characterized by enhanced pulsation of the peripheral arteries and capillaries due to increased pulse pressure. Patients with a patent ductus arteriosus can experience increased pulse pressure, leading to rapid rises and falls in pressure within the peripheral vessels, thereby causing a series of peripheral vascular signs. When a patent ductus arteriosus is combined with peripheral vascular signs, indicating a substantial shunt, it is advisable for such individuals to undergo surgery as soon as possible. Delaying surgery may lead to a right-to-left shunt, resulting in Eisenmenger's syndrome, and the loss of the opportunity for surgical intervention.

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Written by Di Zhi Yong
Cardiology
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Can you swim with patent ductus arteriosus?

If the patient has a history of patent ductus arteriosus, it is recommended that they avoid vigorous exercise, as this can increase the heart's oxygen consumption, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. If it is solely this condition, sometimes palpitations may occur, leading to changes in cardiac function. It is advised not to swim. While appropriate exercise can be beneficial, swimming requires better cardiopulmonary function. It is recommended that patients undergo early surgical treatment to improve their current condition.