Your Notifications
All done, no notifications

What is Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

A heart condition known as patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA, may appear shortly after birth.

A persistent gap between the two main blood arteries that emerge from the heart is known as the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

The blood flow system for an unborn child, often known as a fetus in the womb, includes an entrance known as the ductus arteriosus. Usually, it shuts down soon after delivery. It is referred to as a patent ductus arteriosus if the opening stays open.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment?

Timely management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is necessary to avoid consequences such as inadequate oxygenation, pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure.

PDA raises the risk of infective endocarditis and strains the heart, which can cause long-term lung and heart damage if treatment is not received.

Early intervention promotes children's improved growth and general health while preventing developmental delays.

For those impacted, timely intervention guarantees fewer complications and enhances their quality of life.

What are the Common Symptoms of Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

A large PDA diagnosed during infancy or childhood might cause :

  • Poor feeding, which results in poor growth
  • Crying or eating while perspiring
  • Breathing too quickly or feeling out of breath all the time
  • Easy tiring
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Inadequate growth or weight gain

Taking Care of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus During Pregnancy

  • A small patent ductus arteriosus may not be a barrier to a successful pregnancy. However, the risk of significant pregnancy issues is increased in case of a large PDA or a condition such as heart failure, lung injury, or irregular heartbeats.
  • Discuss potential pregnancy risks and consequences with your healthcare provider before getting pregnant. Certain cardiac medications may be harmful to a developing fetus. Before you get pregnant, your doctor may decide to stop or modify your medication.
  • The healthcare team can plan any particular care required during pregnancy. Pregnancy-related genetic testing and screening may be performed if you are at a high risk of giving birth to a child who has a cardiac problem.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Causes

The cause of this illness is unknown to researchers. A family history of the disease or genetic problems are two possible causes of patent ductus arteriosus. Additional PDA reasons could be:

  • Pregnancy-related German measles
  • The Respiratory Distress Syndrome in neonates

Risk Factors

Risk factors for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) include:

  • Premature birth
  • Family history and other genetic conditions
  • German measles during pregnancy
  • Being born at a high altitude
  • Female sex assigned at birth

Complications

A small patent ductus arteriosus might not cause complications. Larger, untreated PDAs could cause:

  • High blood pressure in the lungs is also called pulmonary hypertension
  • Heart failure
  • A heart infection called endocarditis

Connect with our advisor for a PRIORITY response

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

  • In addition to investigating genetic testing to detect predispositions and facilitate individualised prevention efforts, recent research in PDA therapy focuses on creating innovative pharmaceutical medicines with fewer side effects. These developments are meant to reduce dangers and increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) Prevention Tips

The prevention of patent ductus arteriosus is unknown. But it's essential to take every precaution to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few essentials:

  • Take folic acid now
  • Stay active and engage in exercise
  • Get early prenatal care, even before you're pregnant
  • Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
  • Obtain the recommended vaccinations
  • Manage your blood sugar levels

Treatment options for Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Cardiac catheterisation: Cardiac catheterisation involves inserting a flexible tube, threading it through a blood vessel to the heart, closing the patent ductus arteriosus and stopping blood flow.

PDA closure: Surgery for patent ductus arteriosus involves a lateral chest incision made by the surgeon. They use a metal clip or sutures to close the PDA.


Cost Start From USD 5000 - USD 6500Explore Options

The diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus can be aided by tests.

  • Echocardiogram: Images of the beating heart are created by sound waves. This test illustrates the blood flow of the heart and its valves. It can determine whether the heart has a persistent opening.
  • Chest X-ray: This test reveals the state of the lungs and heart.
  • EKG, or electrocardiogram: This quick and easy test captures the electrical signals that comprise the heartbeat.
  • Cardiac catheterisation: This test isn't usually needed to diagnose patent ductus arteriosus.

The primary components of PDA rehabilitation are monitoring and supportive care. But in more serious situations or following surgery, rehabilitation might entail:

Cardiac rehabilitation: The goal is to strengthen the heart and enhance cardiovascular health.

Physical therapy: To aid in recuperation, particularly in cases of developmental delays, post-operative muscle weakness, or chronic heart strain.

Respiratory Therapy: If increased blood flow to the lungs has caused injury, respiratory therapy restores lung function.

Monitoring and Ongoing Care: To guarantee long-term health and keep an eye on heart function, schedule routine check-ups with medical professionals.

PDA medicines, which decrease blood flow through the vessel, aid in stimulating the closure of the ductus arteriosus, particularly in moderate cases or preterm infants.

Instantly Connect with our Specialists

Doctor 1
Doctor 2
Doctor 3
Doctor 4
Doctor 5
Doctor 6
Doctor 7
Doctor 8

Hospitals for Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in India

Manipal Hospital, Dwarka: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Manipal Hospital, Dwarka

Delhi, India

Manipal Hospital Dwarka is a leading multi-super speciality tertiary care hospital offering world-class, affordable, and accessible healthcare. Backed by renowned doctors, advanced technology, and global standards in clinical care, the hospital provides comprehensive preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services for all age groups. With 380 beds, 13 modular OTs, 118 critical care beds, and 24/7 emergency services, it combines excellence in patient care with innovations like AI, telemedicine, remote monitoring, and EMR—striving to become a fully digital, paperless hospital setting new standards in modern healthcare.

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Chennai, India

The mega-structure of RIMC serves as a hospital as well as an educational institute. Hence, it offers a huge array of medical services and facilities to cater to the needs of its patients.

Fertility Services - RIMC specializes in both male and female fertility and in procedures like IntraCytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), Uterine Transplants, Preimplantation genetics and Laser Assisted Hatching (LAH).

Anaesthesia and ICU - The ICU rooms in RIMC are equipped to serve the individual needs of every patient. They boast the largest liver transplant ICU in India and a specific ICU dedicated to pediatrics multi-organ transplants.

Radiology and Imaging Sciences - RIMC has the infrastructure to support high-quality scans including 128 Slice CT, Cardiac MRI, and 3 Tesla MRIs.

Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine - RIMC has an active blood bank system with facilities dedicated to Blood Component Separation and Therapy. They use high-end technology like the Automated 1H500 Analyser and have a separate Therapeutic Apheresis Unit.

Advanced Endoscopy - Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre has one of the most advanced hospital facilities with an individual healthcare unit specifically dedicated to Endoscopy. Advanced procedures like Spyglass Cholangioscopy, Laser therapy, Endoscopic Ultrasound, Capsule Endoscopy, and special ERCP and EUS Suite.

Some of the other healthcare facilities, departments, and services offered by Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Healthcare are listed below:

  • Orthopaedics
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Hepatology
  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine and Diabetology
  • Advanced Paediatrics
  • Ear Nose and Throat 
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Interventional Radiology and Imaging Services
  • Neonatology
  • Neurology
  • Liver Disease and Transplantation
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Oncology
  • Nephrology
  • Neonatology
  • Pathology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Radiation Oncology
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Urology
  • Surgical Oncology
  • Transfusion Medicine

Apart from these facilities, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre also have a preventive health check lounge, 72 consultation suites, and 360 degrees including lab facilities specifically for outpatients. 

Visit Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre in Chromepet, Chennai today and find the best care for you and your loved ones.

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital

Delhi, India

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is known for delivering treatment to over 200,000 patients every year; 10,000 of which are generally medical tourists. The efficient team of doctors has the record of 99.6 percent success rate. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital deals in treatment of over 50 specialities.  

Let’s see some of the features of the infrastructure:

  • Spread over 15 acres, the hospital has 710 beds.
  • 6 beds dedicated to bone marrow transplant units with very strict infection control practices.
  • 64-Slice Scan coupled with data acquisition which provides highest temporal resolution
  • One of the hospitals to be using Da Vinci Robotics Surgery System
  • In South Asia, the Spect-CT and Pet-CT got their first installation at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in India
  • Technologies such as PET- MR, BrainLab Navigation System, PET-CT, Portable CT Scanner, Tilting MRI, NovalisTx, Cobalt based HDR Brachytherapy, Hyperbaric Chamber, DSA Lab, Fibroscan, 3 Tesla MRI, Endosonography, 128 Slice CT scanner are all installed at the hospital.
  • The Cancer Institute at Indraprastha Apollo is equipped with a highly advanced Radiation Oncology Center with ClinaciX, NovalisTx, and HDR-Brachytherapy.
  • It is equipped with the largest Sleep Lab in Asia, & has one of the largest Dialysis Units in India.
  • A large number of ICU beds than any other Private Hospitals in India.
  • WIFI is accessible across the whole campus.

Our Services to better your experience

Opinion & Option

We submit the most accurate opinion and options from one or more countries for your review

Consult Privately

Consult with a certified specialist privately on our telemedicine platform even before you decide to travel

Logistics

We handle flights, visas, transfers, and accommodation—so you can focus on your health.

Recovery

Our In-house rehabilitation service packages to better your recovery and treatment outcome

Why Choose India for Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing India:

  • Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques.
  • World-class experts include highly experienced doctors, JCI, and NABH-accredited healthcare institutions.
  • Compared to other countries, treatment in Indian hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Indian hospitals provide International patient services, including a multilingual support system.
  • Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. If your infant exhibits new symptoms, notify your provider immediately and keep all follow-up appointments.

Healthcare professionals can fix PDA if it doesn't close on its own. If moderate and large-sized PDAs in babies and children are not treated on time, they may be more likely to develop cardiac problems as adults.

In India, PDA closure treatments typically have a high success rate. Success rates for catheter-based closure are between 95% and 98%, with minimal complications. Additionally, surgical closure has a success rate above 95%, particularly in more complicated instances. Positive results are guaranteed because skilled cardiologists and surgeons frequently perform these operations in prestigious hospitals. Results may vary depending on the patient's age, general health, and the extent of the PDA.

The majority of PDA newborns who receive therapy go on to lead active, healthy lives.

Sometimes, PDA may spontaneously close in the initial days or weeks following birth, especially in premature babies. However, medical attention could be required if it persists or produces symptoms.

If there are no more cardiac abnormalities, blood flow quickly returns to normal following catheterisation or surgery.

The most prevalent cardiac issue affecting newborns is patent ductus arteriosus. Premature babies are more likely to have the condition diagnosed by medical professionals. The earlier the infant is born, the higher the risk.

  • About 10% of babies born between weeks 30 and 37 of pregnancy have PDA.
  • Eighty per cent of babies are born between weeks 25 and 28 of pregnancy.
  • 90% of kids are born before the 24-week mark.

There is very little chance of recurrence if the wound has been effectively closed by medication, catheterisation, or surgery. However, routine follow-ups are essential to keep an eye on heart health and avoid issues.